Hoop Michael Rodd will partner three-year-old colt Rich Enuff for the third consecutive time this spring campaign in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

He will drop down in distance for the first time since winning the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) on September 13 but Rodd thinks the colt is sharp enough to handle it as he pursues his first Group One victory.

Rodd was aboard Rich Enuff last time out in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) for which he was the favourite before being narrowly beaten by Shooting To Win.

He over-raced early, coming out the gates very fast to lead. The colt controlled the race until the pressure went on at 600m out. He kicked clear at the 300m mark but was nabbed late.

Still, Rodd believes the three-year-old raced exceptionally well and has what it takes to win at the highest level of racing.

“It was probably one of the best runs you’d ever see for a horse and not win a race,” Rodd told Sky Racing.

“For what he had done in the run he should have probably finished closer to last than first. It was amazing.”

The fact that Rich Enuff and Rodd won the Danehill over the same straight course at Flemington as the 2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes is only an advantage for their winning chances this Saturday. He was fast out the gate to control the race from the front despite starting wide in barrier 12. The colt kept on kicking and drew well clear of the rest of the field.

“He’s such a good horse, he’s so sharp still. His work was brilliant,” Rodd continued.

“It should not be a problem. I think he should be good enough to be right in the finish again.

“This horse will win a Group One, there’s no doubt about that, and hopefully it will be Saturday.”

The 2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes final field will be announced on Races.com.au when it’s released later this morning.

Betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au will reopen following the draw, so make sure your online betting account is up and running.

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