Central Districts gelding Enrico was rewarded for his consistency when taking home a big winner’s cheque following his victory in Saturday’s $350,000 Comag Wairere Falls (1500m) at Matamata.
The Levin galloper trekked north to tackle the lucrative feature following a rich run of form for trainer Ilone Kelly, which included three stakes placings in his previous four starts, including the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m), Gr.3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m), and Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m).
Despite his recent performances, he was unwanted by punters on his northern venture, drifting out to a 23-1 outsider, but that didn’t deter his regular jockey Madan Singh, who was full of confidence in his charge, and he was intent on making his 53.5kg impost.
“I was definitely a little bit confident, but 53.5kg is a bit hard for me,” Singh said. “But I knew he was a good chance and she (Kelly) has always been a big supporter of mine, so that’s why I made 53 to ride this horse.”
Singh was positive on Enrico from the jump, entering an early speed duel with Leroy Brown and Vegas Queen, but he elected to ease his charge back to settle in the trail for a softer trip.
The pair continued to stalk pacemaker Leroy Brown, and while he kicked clear by two-lengths at the top of the straight, Singh didn’t panic, knowing his charge was capable of making up the deficit. And he did just that, reeling in Leroy Brown in the concluding stages to nab him at the line to win by a head.
Singh was rapt to get the result for Kelly and breakthrough for an elusive win following a series of placings.
““It was very good,” Singh said. “He is a nice horse who is always knocking on the door, and he always has wide draws.
“We got a nice enough draw (6) and got a nice run and when I asked he gave me a really good response.”
Enrico, who was co-bred and is part-owned by respected Horowhenua horsewoman Syliva Kay, has now won seven and placed in nine of his 33 starts to date, with more than $420,000 in earnings. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
