Unbeaten Tuxedo (NZ) Takes Group Three

An impressive late surge in Thursday’s $100,000 Group Three Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki produced the second win of an unblemished two-start career for Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci), who was bought for $70,000 at Karaka 2023.

A graduate of the Book 1 draft of breeders Waikato Stud, Tuxedo is trained by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray and has had two starts for two wins and $67,860 in prize-money with much more seemingly in store.

Tuxedo began his career with a smart maiden win over 1400 metres at Te Aroha on October 30, then stepped straight up into black-type company for the second start of his career just under a month later.

The gelding was positioned in midfield by jockey Joe Doyle, then produced a gear change in the straight that bodes very well for his prospects in longer and stronger races later in the season. He sprinted through on the inside of the highly rated filly Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) and outfinished her through the final 50 metres, winning by a long head with a big margin back to third.

“He’s a gorgeous horse,” Doyle said. “He’s big, scopey and a good mover. He has everything going for him.

“We had to pick and choose runs today and he chased very bravely. He’s far from the finished product. He’s still got a lot to learn, but once he pulls it all together, I think we’ll really have a proper horse on our hands. As soon as he learns to just relax a little bit, he’ll be able to go to sleep and then really stay. We could have some fun.”

Ritchie has indicated that the $1.25m Group One Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 8 could be Tuxedo’s long-range target.

“We’ve always fancied him as a talent,” the Cambridge trainer said. “He got it wrong first-up and he was pulling and got to the front a bit early, but the second placegetter from that race has gone on to win two races impressively since then, so the form was there.

“We were keen to ride him cold today and we think he’ll end up a nice stayer. He’s got a lot to learn, but jeez, it’s nice winning a Group Three at your second start.

“We might give him a week to himself now and then pick some races over a bit further. He’s a big, strong horse, he’s got a lovely action about him, and you’d think he’ll get further than a mile for sure. He’s exciting.”

Tuxedo is by Tivaci, who will feature at Karaka 2025 in January with nine of his progeny in Book 1 and another seven in Book 2.

Vendor	Waikato Stud Ltd
Purchaser	Mr GI Barnett (Auckland)
Breeding	Tivaci – Ball Gown
Sale	Lot 55, Karaka 2023 Book 1, $70,000
Bred by	Waikato Stud Ltd