A year ago Rich Enuff stamped himself as one of the most promising three-year-olds in Australia.
The Ken Keys-trained colt won the Group Two Danehill Stakes against his own age on the straight 1200m course at the Makybe Diva Stakes meeting.
He returns to Flemington on Saturday for another straight race, the Group Two Bobbie Lewis Quality against open age with Keys hoping he can make the transition.
“Last year he knew what he was racing. This time around, he’s not so sure,” Keys said.
“The biggest problem is how good are the others.
“You go from being a three-year-old to this level.
“There is expectation that he’s just going to do it, but he’s still got to prove it.”
Rich Enuff is the $3.40 favourite to return to winning form on Saturday.
After his autumn program was halted by injury, Rich Enuff returned at Caulfield on August 29, finishing second to Bounding over 1100m.
Bounding is racing in Sydney on Saturday, but Keys is still wary of the opposition that includes Group One winner Lucky Hussler, Dubai Group One winner Sterling City and Oakleigh Plate runner-up Under The Louvre.
He says Rich Enuff has improved from his first-up showing, although how much he’s just not sure.
Rich Enuff hasn’t missed any work but was forced to gallop in the rain at Cranbourne on Tuesday.
“The only time I saw him was when he went out and came back in,” Keys said.
“I couldn’t see him in the rain.
“It was a bottomless track and you’re not sure how much benefit you get out of it.”
The Sir Rupert Clarke (1400m) at Caulfield on September 26 is the race Keys is chasing for Rich Enuff’s first Group One win.
“I think that’s his ideal journey,” Keys said.
“He can cruise at a high speed and quicken off a high speed.
“I think that’s where he’ll have an advantage.
