Probably for the first time in New Zealand turf history, a Kiwi trainer has made a $3.5 million race his backup plan.
Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie revealed today he had received multiple approaches from slotholders for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8 to run his galloper Tuxedo in the race.
But Ritchie has another target on the same programme in his sights for Tuxedo - the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m).
Aucklander Grant Barnett, a long-time Ritchie stable client - firstly with Frank Ritchie, then enjoying Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) success with Magic Cape through Ritchie's son Shaune - outlaid $70,000 for Tivaci gelding Tuxedo at Karaka.
Into the ownership group, Barnett recruited Peter Archer, Bill Coates, Don Cotter, Murray Wills, Chloe Cumming and Doug Paulin.
That group have had plenty to celebrate as Tuxedo followed a Te Aroha debut win with Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) success at Otaki, with second placings at Ellerslie ensuing, notably finishing runner-up to Damask Rose in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at his last start.
That has led to a start in Saturday's Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa, a race that will determine which path Tuxedo follows - the Derby or NZB Kiwi.
"We've had a couple of approaches for the Kiwi but because my client (Barnett) bought him primarily to win the Derby, he's been in racing a long time and it's the blue riband event, we'll have a go at that one first and see how we go," Ritchie said.
Tuxedo has delighted Ritchie and his co-trainer Colm Murray with his progress since the Karaka Million 3YO.
"He's come through fantastically. He's done terrific. I don't think he's left a feed since we've been training him," Ritchie said.
"We're at the point where we need to find out whether he's going to get over further. He can get on the bridle a bit in his races but Te Rapa is the softest 2000m you get. It's not an undulating track like Ellerslie so I think we'll get all our answers on Saturday.
"His form has been remarkably consistent, a couple of wins and a couple of seconds, but I think he's right at his best when there's a bit of give in the ground. We're not going to get that this weekend but he's been competitive despite that.
"We've certainly got him fit enough. It's just a matter of him coming off the bridle in the running of the race now."
TAB bookmakers have Tuxedo at $16 to win the Derby, Saturday's Waikato Guineas set to be an important guide to his chances.
"He's got to put up his hand and suggest that he's going to be competitive," Ritchie said.
"The Derby looks like it's going to be a terrific race this year. Willydoit looks like he's got a stranglehold and he left us behind last time. We've just got to mellow in the early stages of his races - that's the whole key to getting him to run the Derby trip right out."
And if he doesn't, Ritchie is ready to reconsider the NZB Kiwi as his backup plan.
"Of course, (especially) if he fails to run the Waikato Guineas right out," he said.
"Chris Waller has a great record of running a horse at 2000m and going to the Doncaster (Handicap over 1600m) from there, especially with horses who get on the bridle a bit, it just takes the edge off them. And if you're going to follow anyone's lead, you might as well follow the best.
"It's four weeks from the Waikato Guineas to the Kiwi. Our options are still open. If we can do a deal with a slotholder, that would be nice, but we need to sit down on Sunday, have a look at the Waikato Guineas sectionals and see which way we press. We have a talented horse and that's a good start."
Ritchie and Murray will also produce last-start Pukekohe maiden winner Alaskan in stakes company at Te Rapa on Saturday, the Dick Karreman-bred and raced Niagara filly tackling the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m).
"It's a small but sweet race but there's some talent in there," Ritchie said.
"I see her as a real Oaks filly. She'll be right at her best when she gets to a mile and a half. They can be tricky races when you get small fields. A sit-and-sprint won't suit her because she's a dead-set stamina-based staying filly and she'll be at her best when she gets to Trentham.
"She's a lighter-framed filly and she'll have just this one and one more before the Oaks. We just want to see her hitting the line nicely this weekend." – Trackside.co.nz
