By Richard Goodbody
The powerful Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott training partnership will be looking to make their mark on the Sunshine Coast tonight when Enzina steps out in the QTIS two-year-old handicap.
Having missed out on a start in last week’s Listed Calaway Gal, the Menari filly, who was a $170,000 purchase through the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, trialled impressively at Randwick last month and will have an in-form Jimmy Byrne in the saddle.
With the road to the Magic Millions on in earnest, the inter-state raider will be looking to bank some valuable dollars to skyrocket up the order of entry, with the $2 million 2YO Classic on January 15 fast approaching.
Standing in her way will be two of Les Ross’ leading hopes, Mishani Warfare and Mishani Persuasion, who currently sit third and seventh on the ballot respectively.
“I’ve always liked her,” Bott said of Enzina ahead of her debut.
“I think the form around her trials has been very good here in Sydney and she’s gone up there to try and qualify herself.
“Unfortunately, she didn’t get a run in the stakes’ race last Saturday, so she’s drawn well here and hopefully a nice kick-off point for her.
“But I’ve always thought quite a bit of her, Enzina.”
Among the other leading hopes in the race will be the Brian and Daniel Guy-trained Golden Artie, who finished a narrow second behind Palazzo Spirit on debut at Eagle Farm, and has since trialled brilliantly on the Gold Coast.
The QTIS two-year-old handicap over 1000m starts a seven race card at the Sunshine Coast tonight with first jumping at 6.08pm.