Enceladus impresses in Gordon – but Leger run not set in stone

Joseph O’Brien is keen to keep his options open with Enceladus following his authoritative victory in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

The Sea The Stars colt has looked much improved since being stepped up in trip this season, with a comeback win at Cork followed by Royal Ascot success in the King George V Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained pair of Desert Hero (2023) and Merchant (2025) won the same Ascot handicap in recent years before landing this Group Three prize and after being sent off a well-backed 6-4 favourite to follow suit, Enceladus finished strongly under Dylan Browne McMonagle, keeping Geryon at bay by a length and a quarter.

Ascot Winner Makes Successful Step Up

Classic sponsors Betfred make Enceladus a 10-1 shot from 25-1 for the Leger, a race which saw O’Brien break his British Classic duck as a trainer with Galileo Chrome six years ago — but the trainer warned he is not certain to head for Doncaster in September.

O’Brien was at Galway rather than Goodwood, from where he told Press Association: “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 and I’m delighted to have a horse of his potential for Maria and the Niarchos team.”

On a Leger bid, he added: “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.”

Target Undecided After Progressive Goodwood Display

McMonagle said: “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 and 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.”

Colin Keane said of the runner-up: “I thought for a few strides that we were going to get to Dylan’s horse (Enceladus) but he picked up and went away again.

“I’d say the winner is smart but we’re smart as well, he’s just a bit of a work in progress. He probably didn’t (see it out as well as the winner), but I do think in time he will.

“He’s a little hard on himself, he wears earplugs to help him relax so he’s a work in progress but a horse with a big future hopefully.”