Enceladus emulated Merchant in winning the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot prior to the Gordon Stakes.
The Sea The Stars colt was backed with defeat out of the question, and duly obliged. He was prominent though wide under Dylan Browne McMonagle, who rode him with plenty of confidence. He travelled well into the front and picked up sharply, despite hanging right. Colin Keane perhaps left it too late on Geryon, but the winner was classy regardless.
Joseph O’Brien wasn’t in attendance, but told the Press Association from Galway via At The Races: “I’m delighted, it was a nice ride from Dylan. It was a really nice performance and he’s a progressive, improving colt.
“It was a big step up in class and it’s a hard thing to do. But he’s going the right way. I’m delighted to have a horse of his potential for Maria and the Niarchos team.”
The colt is a possible St Leger contender, but wasn’t overly keen on the target just yet: “It is one of the more obvious options. But I don’t know if we’ll rush him past a mile and a half either. Let’s see how he pulls up and let the dust settle and we’ll lock in his next target after that.”
“I think he’s got a bit of class” – Dylan Browne McMonagle
The young rider is having a tremendous season, and McMonagle was thrilled with the colt: “He’s a lovely, big, straightforward horse. He’s done nothing but improve and each run he’s getting better.
“I think he’s going to be a very nice horse going forward. I do think he’s up to that level (Group Twos and Group Ones) with a bit of time.
“As you can see he’s still a big baby – when he’s getting there he’s just doing enough. But he was a good winner.
“He handles that ground well and I think he’s got a bit of class. He’s a horse to look forward to and one to keep an eye on.”
Out of a Grade 2 winning miler, Enceladus evidently adopts enough speed to remain at twelve furlongs. He’s entered in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, and it appears as if stepping up in trip isn’t a priority.
The St Leger is the obvious choice, but it wouldn’t be surprising if connections consider International targets. Mogul won the race in 2020, before going on to the Grand Prix De Paris.