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.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...