Enrique rewarded his connections' decision to turn down an offer they couldn't refuse with a comprehensive thrashing of four opponents in the Listed Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket yesterday, and as a result took over at the head of the betting for next year's 2,000 Guineas.

Blank cheques fell onto the owners' doormat after Enrique, registered in the famous colours of the Niarchos Family, made a successful debut at Glorious Goodwood in July.

But Maria Niarchos, daughter of late shipping magnate Stavros, parried requests to name her price after interrupting a Henry Cecil grouse shoot, a decision which the good-looking bay justified in handsome style.

Racing third of five on the outside, pulling hard without cover, Enrique and Kieren Fallon rushed to the front just over two furlongs from the finish. Frankie Dettori on David Loder's Berlioz tried to cover the move but his mount's acceleration could not match that of the winner, who strode on for a five-length victory at 4 to 6. Coral and the Tote reacted by offering Enrique at 7 to 1, Hills go 5s and Ladbrokes most cautious at 4 to 1.

"It is a relief because we had a lot of offers for him after he won," said Cecil.

Enrique, whose work was held up by sore shins after Goodwood, will be a good deal shorter for next year's Guineas if he wins his next intended outing, the Group One Dewhurst Stakes on Champions' Day, October 17th.

"Now the idea is to go for the Dewhurst as long as he comes back all right and we are happy with him. But his main objective is the 2000 Guineas and at this stage I wouldn't swap him for anything so far," added Cecil.