Promising galloper Tuxedo is set to step up to the elite level for the first time when he tackles the Group 1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Prepared by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, the son of Tivaci enjoyed a strong three-year-old season, winning three of his six starts. His highlights included victory in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), and a runner-up finish behind Damask Rose in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m).
Tuxedo resumed this campaign with a sharp first-up win over 1400m at Ruakaka last month, underlining his potential to compete at a higher level.
“History tells us that four-year-olds have struggled a bit in the spring, especially straight into weight-for-age,” Ritchie 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.
“He has performed well at Ellerslie behind Damask Rose and she went an unbelievable run first-up (fifth in Cockram Stakes, 1200m). She proved she is right up to the best four-year-olds there.”
Punters keen to back Tuxedo as he tests himself against the country’s best at Ellerslie can find odds on the Group 1 betting sites available for the Proisir Plate.