The list of rivals Enable may face in Sunday’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), anticipated to be the great mare’s career finale, came into focus Monday when 16 horses were left in contention at what’s called the first forfeit stage.
Primarily, Aidan O’Brien has left under consideration the likes of Magical, a frequent foe who has never beaten Enable, along with Juddmonte International (G1) winner Japan and Epsom Derby (G1) winner Anthony Van Dyck.
Heading up the home team is Sottsass, the Prix du Jockey Club (G1) hero who will look to be the first Arc winner based in France since Treve in 2014.
There remains a chance for horsemen to add other names to the mix Wednesday at a supplementary stage for Sunday’s Arc, Europe’s richest race run at Longchamp.
No matter who’s ultimately sent postward, Enable is expected to be a heavy favorite already listed at odds on by most overseas books.
A 5-year-old owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Enable put in her final serious bit of work for the Arc on Monday. According to the Racing Post, she traveled seven furlongs in Newmarket, England, coasting by her workmate.
"I put her in front as it's best to mix it up with her as she can easily get bored doing the same thing,” Gosden told the Racing Post. “Frankie was happy with her, and hopefully we can get through the next six days.
"This was an important exercise and now we will just tick her over until Longchamp.”
General odds show Enable at 8-11 with Japan and Sottsass both 6-1. Magical is the fourth choice at 10-1 with all others double-digit prices.
