Group 2 winner Tuxedo will test his talent at weight-for-age for the first time when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the group 1 Proisir Plate (1400m).
The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained gelding had a pleasing 3-year-old season last term, winning three of his six starts, including the group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m).
He also finished runner-up to Damask Rose in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m).
The son of Tivaci continued his winning ways first up this season when victorious over 1400m at Ruakaka last month.
"We are pleased we got that run into him," Ritchie said.
"The three weeks between races has worked out perfect for him.
"Having a run over 1400m means he is rock-hard ready for Saturday. He has performed well at Ellerslie, having run second to Damask Rose in a Karaka Million, so things are looking pretty rosy for him."
While upbeat about his gelding before the weekend, Ritchie is aware of the big step up to weight-for-age level.
"History tells us that 4-year-olds have struggled a bit in the spring, especially straight into weight-for-age," he said.
"That is always in the back of your mind. Having said that, I don’t believe we have a dominant weight-for-age horse at the moment.
"I think it does open up for a horse like him to be able to put his hand up and be a chance in this race.
"We were encouraged by Treasurethe Moment who is a 4-year-old and smashed them in the first group 1 weight-for-age race [Memsie Stakes, 1400m] of the season in Australia — 4-year-olds can do it if they are good enough.
"He has performed well at Ellerslie behind Damask Rose and she went an unbelievable run first-up [fifth in group 3 Cockram, Stakes, 1200m]. She proved she is right up to the best 4-year-olds there.
"We are looking at the positives as best we can. Having said that, he is a high-quality horse and we are just hoping we can measure up and I am sure he will run well." — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
By Joshua Smith
