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G3 September Stakes Preview

G3 September Stakes Preview

Our preview for the G3 September Stakes on the Polytrack at Kempton Park at 2:05 this Saturday

John Burnham

John Burnham

Some match-ups are unexpected in the world of sport and five-time G1 winner Enable and King George runner-up Crystal Ocean facing off in the G3 September Stakes on the Polytrack at Kempton Park at 2:05 on Saturday is certainly one.

Enable, the star of last season, plundered five G1s in succession, which included an Epsom/Irish Oaks double, a King George win, a Yorkshire Oaks success and a marvellous display in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Off the track since due to injury, the four-year-old daughter of Nathaniel makes her eagerly awaited comeback in the 12-furlong event, with Newmarket handler John Gosden taking his time with the superstar filly. Frankie Dettori will be in the plate and connections will ensure there is a good pace angle to the race as that saddle Ebor second Weekender in the five strong field.

Kempton Park
Kempton Park

However, Enable's comeback has become all the more exciting following the news that Crystal Ocean, last seen losing a thrilling battle with stable companion Poet's Word by a neck in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, would take her on. Sir Michael Stoute's will be ridden by David Probert, a ringing endorsement for his quality in the saddle and will have to concede 8lb to last year's Arc winner. However, the four-year-old son of Sea The Stars importantly has match-race fitness on his side and that could be a pivotal factor in Saturday's contest.

Just a 1lb splits them on official ratings with Crystal Ocean rated 129 and Enable 128. You would think a race-fit Enable might just have Crystal Ocean's measure, but whilst she will have been finely tuned by Gosden, Crystal Ocean is a fit, firing and top-class rival who arguably remains unexposed at the top table having been brought along steadily by Stoute, a characteristic we have always associated with the master handler.

Whatever happens on Saturday, this promises to be a mouthwatering contest and with both horses possibly heading to Longchamp for the Arc on October 7 (Crystal Ocean needs to be supplemented), the September Stakes will add real intrigue for the autumn close of the flat season.

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