As a close relation to triple G1 winner Arcadia Queen, trainer Patrick Payne appears to have a smart staying Pierro colt on his hands as 3yo Enchilada made a mess of his rivals at Warrnambool on Thursday.
Improving off a debut fifth over 1429m, Enchilada was once again slowly from the barriers, showing no early speed to settle some two lengths behind the second last horse in the field of ten.
Having made up considerable ground in the run to the line on debut, the colt was duly sent off as the short-priced favourite on Thursday and with some very handy winners in his pedigree, it was no surprise to see the support for him.
In the soft seven conditions, the Nicole Dickson trained Wekin Star took up the running narrowly ahead of Alpine Eagle gelding All Moonlite, while Will Gordon was content to allow Enchilada to find his feet early, settling some ten lengths from the leader.
As 100/1 shot Conjurer was one of the first to make his run, Gordon took the opportunity to follow him around the outside of the field, and when the home turn was reached Enchilada had worked his way into second, as he raced alongside the outsider.
Going straight past his rivals as if they were standing still, Enchilada floated over the track, pulling away from his rivals, eased down to win by seven lengths.
Finishing in second was Conjurer, with 3yo Brutal (NZ) filly, and second favourite Endless Fury a further length away in third.
With connections likely to target the $3m G1 VRC Derby (2500m) on October 31, Enchilada now sits on the equal fourth line of betting at 15/1 after breaking his maiden.
Bred by Pinewood Farm’s Dave and Jenny Morison, Enchilada is the third winner from five runners out of the winning Domesday mare Arcadia Delight, a sister to G2 winner Arcadia Dream (dam of Listed winner Arcadia Park), blood-sister to G3 winner Antique Miss, half-sister to triple G1 winner Arcadia Queen, G3 winner Arcadia Prince and Listed winner Arcadia Rose.
A half-brother to the G2 ATC Todman Stakes third placed Shalatin - Lord's Command (Sing), Enchilada is raced by his breeders after being passed in shy of his $200,000 reserve when offered through Cannon Hayes Stud’s 2025 Magic Millions yearling sale draft.
Arcadia Delight has since produced a colt by Home Affairs, followed by a filly by Pierro, as is due to foal once again this season to the G1 Golden Slipper-winning son of Lonhro.
The sire of 42 stakes winners highlighted by six individual G1 winners including two from Enchilada’s very own family, the Coolmore based Pierro looks outstanding value, standing this season at a fee of $22,000 (inc. GST).
