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EN-Y WAY WILL DO

Today’s September Stakes betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field

An top class field of five are set for battle at Kempton on Saturday

KEMPTON'S September Stakes is one of the most exciting races at the track for some time, with last year's Arc winner Enable taking on King George runner-up Crystal Ocean.

John Gosden's filly is odds-on to make a winning return but is likely to face some stiff opposition from Sir Michael Stoute's brilliant colt.

 Enable was a fantastic winner of last year's Arc
1
Enable was a fantastic winner of last year's ArcCredit: AFP or licensors

1. Crystal Ocean (7-4) - Sir Michael Stoute/David Probert

Last year's St Leger runner-up has improved beyond belief this season, with victories in the Gordon Richards Stakes, Al Rayaan Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes as well as a second place finish in the King George.

In any normal September Stakes, this would be a walk in the park for Sir Michael Stoute's classy four-year-old, but unfortunately for him, he has to take on Enable.

However, despite the great filly's stellar 2017, Crystal Ocean is actually he highest rated in the field.

If there are any chinks in Enable's armour, you can be sure he will take advantage.

2. Weekender (16-1) - John Gosden/Kieran O'Neill

Produced a good run in last month's Ebor to finish second and has been in good form in general this season.

However, on ratings he looks to be really up against it and in all likelihood is being employed as Enable's pacemaker.

3. Cribbs Causeway (150-1) - Roger Charlton/Kieran Shoemark

Looks to be a shrewd move from connections to try and grab some valuable place prize-money, but that's all he'll be getting.

Needs to improve over two stone to trouble the principals and that's not going to happen unless something goes amiss.

4. Enable (8-13f) - John Gosden/Frankie Dettori

Last year's star three-year-old was a revelation, winning the King George, the Yorkshire Oaks, the Oaks, the Irish Oaks and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in a season to remember.

Rarely do fillies perform to such a high level for such a prolonged period of time but she proved that she is a cut above in more ways than one.

Has been off the track since the Arc, having had injury problems, but if returning to her best she is the one to beat.

However, has a very tough rival in Crystal Ocean to overcome, who is actually rated higher than her.

John Gosden on Enable

"She's been off 11 months, so it's been a while. She was due to run in early June, but we've taken our time and she seems in good form.

"I'm sure she'll come on for her race. It will be nice to get her back on the racecourse again and I think she's looking forward to it as well. She has been as frustrated as the rest of us.

"She's coming back from injury, but hopefully that is behind us.

"We're not going there to give her a hard race. I think it's important people are aware of that."

Teddy Grimthorpe on Enable

"She's in great form. She did her last little breeze earlier this week and John and Frankie (Dettori) were very pleased with her. She came through it nicely. She's ready to go.

"We were thinking about York (last month) and that just came a little bit too soon. She's been able to have two or three bits of work since then to tune her up.

"Obviously the Arc is the main aim for her, so we're really looking at this as a prep race. It's not the be all and end all.

"What we're looking for her to do is run really well. If she wins then so much the better, definitely.

"I think if she runs a big race and maybe gets a little tired or whatever, and comes out of it in good shape, then we can go to Paris with plenty of hope and confidence."

5. Peak Princess (150-1) - Richard Hannon/Rossa Ryan

Another who will be aiming to pick some place prize-money without any real aspirations of victory.

Only rated 93 and although she comes off the back of a win at the track, that was in Class 4 handicap.

This is a different kettle of fish and she's likely to struggle.

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