Enzo's Lad wins 2018 J R & N Berkett Telegraph Group 1 NZ$250,000 at Trentham (NZ), 1200m.
A Listed win at Riccarton two starts back in November was sufficient for apprentice rider Sam Weatherley to be confident of a major showing here by Enzo's Lad and the 5YO delivered at big odds against an excellent field of sprinters.
From barrier one Weatherley was able to sit in behind the pace in fourth without covering any extra ground to the crossing improving to third inside the 400m. He took on the leader at the 200m and took over soon after and had enough in reserve to hold on by a short neck for win five form 20 starts.
A huge run from the miler Kawi who was freshened especially for this. He was third last at the crossing then threaded between runners once straightened and kept up a very strong run to the wire for a terrific second.
Ferrando did all the hard work in front, carrying the field to the 200m, was collared but fought hard for a close up third.
Passing Shot was second at the crossing, ranged up to challenge but could find nothing extra for a fair fourth from Heroic Valour who was back at the crossing but ran on quite well for fifth.
Favourite Volpe Veloce was always too far back to have any chance, running on for seventh.