Ajax Stakes shot for Enxuto in Doncaster Mile pursuit
According to Robbie Griffiths, Enxuto joins a crowded field of hopefuls targeting the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).
The Lean Mean Machine progeny lacks triumphs past three-year-old open company but will test his mettle for Doncaster inclusion in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) set for Rosehill on Saturday.
The Ajax victor earns a straight path into the Doncaster, from which Enxuto ranks 77th presently allotted 50kg.
It's Somewhat was the most recent to claim the Ajax before winning the 2017 Doncaster Mile over Happy Clapper, joining three prior achievers of the feat.
Anticipating numerous withdrawals ahead, trainer Robbie Griffiths - whose lone Group 1 came via The Quarterback in the 2016 Newmarket Handicap - believes the five-year-old deserves his opportunity.
"I'd prefer to take Enxuto to the Ajax Stakes in Sydney, and that gives him two weeks into the Doncaster," Griffiths said on Saturday.
"He's in the mix. He's one of many in the mix, but he ran fourth in the Ingham up there and his form around Sabaj, I hope runs really well because that'll really help frank the form lines."
Sabaj duly franked those lines later that day with a career-high fourth in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m).
Returning from a break, Enxuto placed in each of his initial two appearances: third to Cafe Millenium and Sabaj in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m), followed by a solid effort behind Birdman in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m).
On only a fortnight's turnaround last time, Griffiths expects improvement into the Ajax carrying the featherweight 54kg.
"He worked really well Saturday morning," Griffiths said.
"I thought it's hard to run really good two weeks off a blistering first up run, so I reckon his run will be better coming into this."
In Saturday's all-in wagering, Enxuto is now $8.50 from $11, trailing market fancy Lord Penman ($2.60) and Group 1 winner Globe ($3.50).
Top online bookmakers offer competitive betting markets for the Ajax Stakes showdown.
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