Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Enable all set for Ascot race

LONDON: Enable, owned by Prince Khalid bin Abdullah Al Saud, has been confirmed as a runner in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
John Gosden’s filly will be mounted once more by Italian jockey Lanfranco ‘Frankie’ Dettori, who has completed an Oaks double on her since returning from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of Royal Ascot last month.
“It’s been a tough rehabilitation, but I’m delighted to report I’m feeling good and getting stronger every day,” Dettori wrote on his online blog.
“I’m glad to say the physiotherapy is all done, but I’m still training myself on the gym and I cannot wait for this weekend.
“She (Enable) was the reason I came back from injury so early. She really is special. I pushed myself so I could ride her in Ireland and it was worth it. The King George is a tough race, but I’m really excited. She is just full of herself right now and raring to go.”
Enable has been installed as the early favorite to win this weekend, but Dettori is only too aware of the credentials of a couple of other runners in this high-class field.
“She (Enable) is getting a big weight allowance so she’s entitled to be at the head of the market,” the 46-year-old added.
“Highland Reel is obviously the biggest danger to our chances. He ran very well at Ascot before and we know he stays. He’s just got a great CV.
“I suspect the ground will be on the right side of good. Her (Enable’s) pedigree suggests the ground shouldn’t be an issue.
“I’d never tried her on soft ground until this (Wednesday) morning. It was only a small breeze, but she seemed to handle it. We shall find out on Saturday.”