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Ritchie well represented at Trentham

3 minute read

Trainer Shaune Ritchie has a strong-hand at Trentham on Saturday headed by Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks contender Devise and his support-card runners also look to have strong winning prospects.

Let Her Rip
Let Her Rip Picture: Race Images Photo

The Cambridge conditioner will also shoot for Group-race success at Trentham with Cut Me Loose in the Gr.2 Grant Plumbing Wellington Guineas (1400m) and Let Her Rip in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m).

Last-start New Plymouth winner Let Her Rip was also entered for the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie but Ritchie was keen to test her over 1600m with an eye towards the Gr.1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on April 8.

"We need to see if she runs out a mile strongly enough in preparation for Te Aroha," Ritchie said.

"To my mind, the Cuddle Stakes is three or four lengths weaker than the Westbury Classic. Those mares have been there, done that and heading to the Cuddle just makes more sense.

"Her work has been superb. I've always felt she was up to black-type and this is her first crack at it. She can rip off some good sectionals ridden cold but then last start she was ridden handier and she still won nicely. She's got a few strings to her bow now and we think she'll run well."

It's clear Ritchie has a soft spot for Cut Me Loose, a winner of two of his three starts facing his biggest test on Saturday.

"He's a beautiful mover. He's a lovely-natured, laid-back colt with two white feet and when he really gets into his gear, he's got an extravagant galloping action that makes him pretty to watch," Ritchie said.

"He led last start but that's because it was the safest way for him to win and he'll take a sit this time. This is his biggest test but I've got no doubt he's earned his chance."


NZ Racing News

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