If trainer Ken Keys could have his time again he would have given Rich Enuff a little more time in the paddock following his successful spring campaign.
The three-year-old was to resume in the Group Two Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday but an elevated white cell count a couple of weeks ago put an end to those plans.
Rich Enuff, Michael Rodd
Keys said the setback was not the end of the world and in some way reinforced his belief he should have given the colt a longer summer spell.
Rich Enuff, who won his first three starts in the spring before running second in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11, was turned out for a spell after finishing seventh to Brazen Beau in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 1.
“We had aimed to probably start in the Australia Stakes but I’m not that concerned that we’re missing it,” Keys said.
“The turnaround time (from his last run) is quite quick and in all honesty I would have liked to have given him a bit longer break.
“I guess we haven’t been in this situation with horses before and they’ve got to race, that’s their job.”
Rich Enuff thrust the quietly spoken trainer into the spotlight during the spring Keys with three stakes wins before his close second to Shooting To Win in the Group One Guineas.
Keys said the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 14 was Rich Enuff’s Melbourne autumn goal before a likely trip to Sydney for The Championships.
He said Rich Enuff was likely to have a jumpout at Cranbourne before a definite decision is made on his program.
The Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 21 was an option in the lead-up to the Newmarket but Keys stressed he was still a week to 10 days away from making any definitive plans.
