From modest expectations, She’s Enchanted keeps raising the bar and trainer Brett Pope expects her to do it again and be competitive at Belmont.
After an eye-catching second to Bright Diamond on debut last month, She’s Enchanted has flashed big potential with wins at her next two starts.
The daughter of Planet Five will back up in Saturday’s The Turf Club Handicap (1200m) after pleasing Pope with her recovery from last week’s impressive victory.
She’s Enchanted made it two wins from three career starts when under Jade McNaught she burst clear passing the 50m to defeat Missing Pro by 3/4 of a length.
Pope said he had no option but to extend She’s Enchanted’s maiden campaign after a rousing track gallop on Tuesday morning.
“She is just bouncing around and thriving,” Pope told The Races WA.
“The way she finished the other day was pretty good.
“She has been a real little surprise packet this filly.
“I would have been happy with just a maiden win, but she just keeps on improving.
“She has to come up against Bright Diamond again and from the draw she will have to be ridden conservatively.
“Hopefully I’m not doing the wrong thing backing her up, but from what I’ve seen she seems to be thriving.
“While she is in this frame of mind she can keep going.”
She’s Enchanted has drawn barrier seven in the nine horse line up. Newly-crowned senior rider Jade McNaught retains the mount.
She’s Enchanted is $6 with TABtouch. Bright Diamond is the $2.25 market leader. Boomtastic is $4.60 and La Vina $5.50.
Meanwhile the stakes will be high for Captain Kink when he is pitted against Group 1 winner Kay Cee in the Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m).
Taking his first place in a feature race, the Sessions gelding is also on the quick turnaround after leading and winning over 1200 last week.
Facing his first test beyond 1200m, Captain Kink’s starting position is barrier three. Jade McNaught keeps the mount and is expected to lead.
“He’s bounced around really good the last few days,” Pope said.
“Jade (McNaught) got off him the other day and said he would run further this horse.
“And he does give you that feel at home where our horses are trained for stamina.
“I don’t think the mile or fitness will be a worry for him.
“It’s just that a couple of the others might be a class above him.”
Captain Kink is $17 with TABtouch.
Julio Santarelli
www.rwwa.com.au