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Enrico, the patient stayer trained by Ilone Kelly, took full advantage of a class drop at Trentham, securing an impressive victory over 2200 metres. The son of Westbury Stud's El Roca, previously sixth in the G3 Manawatu Cup, delivered a strong performance that left a lasting impression on rider Sam Weatherley.

 

Pictured / Sire El Roca (Lesley Warwick) 

Enrico Delivers in Style

Patiently handled stayer Enrico took a significant step back in class at Trentham and he took full advantage with an impressive victory over 2200 metres.

A previous sixth in the G3 Manawatu Cup, the Ilone Kelly-trained son of Westbury Stud stallion El Roca gave all his rivals a start and a beating on Saturday with an effort that left a favourable impression on rider Sam Weatherley.

“He’s much better than a Rating 75 grader and he can go close to being a black-type winner,” he said.

The six-year-old Enrico was given plenty of time to find his feet and settled well back in the running.

He was still last near the turn and when Weatherley angled him into the clear 300 metres from home the gelding finished powerfully to reel in his opposition and won going away by 1.3l for the fourth victory of his career.

“He relaxed well and it was a good, comfortable win,” Weatherley said.

“You can’t get to the front too soon on him, he can prick his ears and wander around.”

A versatile type who has won on heavy and good ground, Enrico is a son of the Pins mare Voodoo who won eight races up to 2100 metres.

She is out of a half-sister to the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes winner Lookatmelads with two-time G1 Telegraph winner Enzo’s Lad also on the pedigree page.

Enrico was co-bred by accomplished Levin horsewoman Sylvia Kay who is also a part-owner.

“I was a bit worried that he was so far back, he usually races a bit handier,” she said. “Ilone does a great job with the horses.”

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