His future at stud is already locked in and all Rich Enuff needs now is a Group One win to further enhance his prospects.

The Ken Keys-trained four-year-old took the first steps to that goal with an impressive barrier trial win at Cranbourne on Monday, his first public appearance this year.

With Damien Oliver aboard, Rich Enuff began well to lead his 800m heat and went on to win in 48.31 seconds on a heavy track.

“I’ve been nervous up until now, to see that we see the horse that we think we’ve got,” Keys said.

“Now it is fun and excitement.”

Rich Enuff made his mark last spring with three straight stakes wins including the Group Two Caulfield Guineas Prelude before finishing a gallant second to Shooting To Win in the Group One Caulfield Guineas.

He had another shot at a Group One in the Coolmore Stud Stakes but finished unplaced in the sprint won by Brazen Beau.

A ligament issue in a hind leg forced Rich Enuff out of the autumn and Keys was delighted to see him perform as he did on Monday.

Woodside Park Stud bought into Rich Enuff last spring and Keys said Group One racing would be the aim this campaign.

Keys is eyeing The Heath, a Group Three 1100m-race at Caulfield on August 29 as Rich Enuff’s spring starting point, with the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on September 26 the likely first Group One spring target.

Keys said Rich Enuff had a nice blow after the trial which was to be expected.

“Hopefully some nice improvement will come naturally as we progress but the fact he’s come back and shown he’s got the motor still, the rest will take care of itself,” he said.

Keys said Rich Enuff had developed and put on about 60kg since he last raced.

“This is what he was always going to grow into,” Keys said.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au