Racing returned to Grafton on Sunday and as is so often the case Grafton trainers were very much to the fore in the six race card.
Newley named life member John Shelton was first to find his way to the winners room when Enterprise Phoenix led throughout to score a solid win in the maiden 1400m.
Ridden by Tegan Harrison Enterprise Phoenix set a strong tempo throughout gave a strong kick below the 200m and although getting weary near the line found to enough to hold off the chases.
It was just the third race start for the son of Spill The Beans who might just continue to improve.
Grafton’s other winner for the day came in the final event of the afternoon when the Sam McGuren prepared Fortyfive Parklane made it four wins since joining the yard a little over a year ago.
The gelding came from Victoria with good wraps but had been unable to win a race in the southern state in fourteen racetrack appearances.
Since joining the McGuren camp the gelding has started on ten occasions for four wins all at his home track. He has also been very competitive in two Highway starts.
Ridden by Brooke Stower Fortyfive Parklane raced just off the speed before finding clear air on the point of the turn and then racing to the top below the 100m.
In an all Grafton finish in the run to the line Fortyfive Parklane had to fight off late challenges from Wonderwhen and Durnstein which are both on Country Championship paths.
Unfortunately for McGuren Fortyfive Parklane has had too many starts for the Championships and is now no longer eligible for a highway. As they say small fish are sweet.
