Ascot Preview: No Grey For Enigma

Posted on January 27, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

The market has identified, Grey Enigma, Eurosun and Conjob as the horses to beat in the Corporate Hospitality At Ascot Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday.

Grey Enigma, who holds narrow favouritism, warmed up for his return with a solid trial hit out behind Pernella Miss on January 18, beaten just under a length.

The five-year-old gelding raced consistently throughout his previous campaign, particularly early when he posted wins at his opening two starts last June.

In a field of eight starters, Grey Enigma, has drawn favourably in barrier four. He carries top weight of 59.5kg for jockey, Brad Parnham.

Trainer Neville Parnham said Grey Enigma is primed for his return.

“He didn’t come off the bridle in the trial and I’m very happy with his progress,” Parnham said on TABradio.

“Since then he galloped very well again on Saturday morning.

“He had a very good preparation last campaign so hopefully he will go on with it and race well again.

“We used to ride him for speed but he seems to be a much better horse when you ride him a bit quieter and he can finish off strong.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Great Southern trainer Steve Wolfe enters the race with high confidence after Conjob scored a comfortable win over 1300m at the Mount Barker Grapes & Gallops meeting on January 17.

The Balmont gelding, who has won second-up previously, grabbed the lead with 400m remaining and cleared away over the final stages to win by a clear 1 ¾ length margin.

Wolfe said Conjob had improved since his victory and rated the five-year-old as the stable’s best winning chance at the mid-week programme.

“He is quite a nice horse and I expect him to go well again,” Wolfe said.

“If he has come through the Mount Barker run he will be hard to beat.”

Shaun McGruddy, who has ridden Conjob in three of his four wins, reclaims the ride.

Eurosun, from the in-form Simon Miller stable, returns since running 6^th of 16 to Coming Back at Belmont last August.

The Haradasun gelding has won first-up in the past and ran a sound second in a 1000m trial behind Military Rock.

With the claim of apprentice, Aaron Mitchell, Eurosun, carries 58kg.

Grey Enigma is the $3 favourite, Conjob is on the second line of betting ($3.40) and Eurosun is rated a $3.70 chance.