New Zealand 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.
The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained gelding had a pleasing three-year-old season last term, winning three of his six starts, including the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), and 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.
“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.”
