Tuxedo heads to Sydney for $2 million assignment
Cambridge trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray will chase a lucrative Australian payday on Saturday when talented galloper Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) contests the A$2 million Gr.3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill.
Ritchie headed to Sydney on Monday ahead of the arrival of Tuxedo, who will be partnered by leading New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson in the rich feature.
The Cambridge horseman is confident the gelding is in excellent order following an impressive piece of work over the weekend.
“His work last Saturday, in my opinion, was the best piece of work he’s done,” Ritchie said.
“No $2 million races are gifts, but they are definitely second-tier stayers.
“It looks like a great entry race for Tuxedo and if he’s good enough to win or run very well then we could look at chancing our arm in Sydney in the autumn.”
While Tuxedo is the stable's immediate focus, Ritchie and Murray also have an eye on next week's Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton with promising three-year-old Kumara Straight (Hellbent).
The debut winner will have an opportunity to press his claims for the southern classic when he contests the trackside.co.nz 3YO (1400m) at Ellerslie on Tuesday.
Drawn barrier one, Kumara Straight will be looking to build on his encouraging first-up victory and convince his trainers that a trip to Christchurch is warranted.
“That barrier will give him every chance to prove he’s worth taking down for the 2000 Guineas, he’s a pretty talented horse,” Ritchie said.
“There doesn’t seem to be a dominant colt, so it’s opening up a bit for a horse like him if he can show he’s up to it.”
A strong performance at Ellerslie would give the stable another potential contender on one of the biggest days of the New Zealand spring racing calendar, while Tuxedo's Sydney assignment offers the prospect of a significant payday across the Tasman.
