Inspired gamble highlights Bunyan's abilities

Darren Bunyan's name can be added to the 'knows-the-time-of-day' list following the success of his heavily supported newcomer Enchanteresse whom the trainer flagged up on Attheraces prior to her win, in the Next Racing At Fairyhouse June 10th Median Auction Maiden at Fairyhouse today.

The daughter of Clodovil was backed from 33/1 early this morning (minus two minor Rule 4s) all the way in to 7/2 second favourite at the off.

Shortly before the actual race, Bunyan treated Attheraces viewers to that most rare of moments when a trainer is at pains to tip his own charge and his confidence proved inspired.

Ridden by Leigh Roche, Enchanteresse raced keenly early on and while she continued to race a little green in the home straight, quickened past 1/2 favourite Chenega Bay inside the final furlong for a comfortable three parts of a length win. Indeed Roche dropped his whip with a furlong to race.

Following the win, Bunyan, whose achievement was more meritorious given he trains just seven horses, stated "she's a filly that showed us a lot early last year but she was weak so we left her off for the summer.

"Her half-brother Grey Danube is a winner of six but is barely a work horse for her and she'd beat him half-way up the gallop.

"She'll go for a premier handicap on Derby weekend for three-year-old fillies and up. She'll go for black-type after that all being well.

"Leigh was very good on her, as he always is."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson