Trainer Robbie Griffiths positions Enxuto within numerous hopefuls seeking entry to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).

The Lean Mean Machine offspring, winless beyond three-year-old open level, aims to force his way into Doncaster through the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) this Saturday at Rosehill.

Securing the Ajax ensures ballot exemption into the Doncaster, with Enxuto at 77th carrying 50kg currently.

Precedents exist with four horses completing Ajax-Doncaster, latterly It’s Somewhat who toppled Happy Clapper in 2017.

As forfeits loom large in the weights, Robbie Griffiths, reflecting on his singular Group 1 triumph 10 years back with The Quarterback in 2016’s Newmarket Handicap, endorses the five-year-old’s prospects.

“I’d prefer to take Enxuto to the Ajax Stakes in Sydney, and that gives him two weeks into the Doncaster,” Griffiths said on Saturday.

“He’s in the mix. He’s one of many in the mix, but he ran fourth in the Ingham up there and his form around Sabaj, I hope runs really well because that’ll really help frank the form lines.”

Later on, Sabaj confirmed the merit of that form, claiming a peak fourth placing in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m).

From a spell, Enxuto has filled minor placings twice: third to Cafe Millenium and Sabaj at Listed level in the Elms Handicap (1400m), before giving chase to Birdman in Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) subsequently.

After a mere fortnight last outing, Griffiths is confident of enhanced performance in the Ajax on 54kg minimum.

“He worked really well Saturday morning,” Griffiths said.

“I thought it’s hard to run really good two weeks off a blistering first up run, so I reckon his run will be better coming into this.”

Enxuto’s all-in quote for Saturday has shortened to $8.50 from $11, with Lord Penman favourite at $2.60 over Group 1 scorer Globe ($3.50).

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