Australia: Enterprise Phoenix strong favorite in Monday start
Enterprise Phoenix, the 4-year-old Australian-bred gelding, started at 1 3/16 miles for the first time in his career at tiny Casino Racecourse on Aug. 12 and took to the distance like a veteran.
Enterprise Phoenix closed from fifth to win by 2 1/2 lengths, his second win in nine starts. The convincing win has left Enterprise Phoenix a strong favorite to win his first start at about 1 3/8 miles at Grafton Racecourse on Monday evening.
The marathon turf race is the first of seven races on a program that begins at 11:10 p.m. Eastern or 8:10 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.
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Trained by John Shelton at Grafton, Enterprise Phoenix won a maiden race at seven furlongs on the course earlier this year. Prior to his recent win, Enterprise Phoenix was fourth in a seven-furlong handicap at Grafton on July 13 and fourth on July 21 in a handicap at 7 3/4 furlongs at Lismore.
The longer distance of the race at Casino, and a start at even longer trip at Grafton, may indicate Enterprise Phoenix’s niche. He is facing a class hike from his recent win, however.
The distance should not be an issue for Manor Road, who won a handicap at about 1 5/16 miles at Gunnison on Aug. 15, closing from last of nine.
The fault in Manor Road’s form is the recent win was the first for the 5-year-old gelding in 25 starts since March 2022. Manor Road has had 18 starts this year. Prior to the win at Gunnison, Manor Road’s best finish this year was a third in a handicap at 1 3/8 miles at Scone on July 20.
Feudalist, a winner of 2 of 28 starts, was fourth behind Enterprise Phoenix at Casino, losing by slightly more than three lengths. He closed from off the pace in a manner that suggests he prefers a longer race.
Feudalist is winless in 11 starts since a handicap at 1 1/4 miles last November.
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