A genuinely run Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) will bring out the best in proven stayer Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) on Saturday when he bids to add to his silverware.
His depths of stamina were emphasised when he won the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) under 55kg in the spring and looks well placed with 1kg less in the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature at Ellerslie.
“He needs, and is going to get, a strong pace with My Maebelline Girl’s best form off the front, Good Oil and Khan Hunter both go forward as well,” said co-trainer Shaune Ritchie, who sees last-start Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) winner Asterix as a major threat.
“Asterix is a New Zealand Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) winner as well and we need to nullify his speed, if we can beat him at all, and the only way to do that is if we can outstay him.”
Mahrajaan has also been blessed by an ideal gate (three) and he will be reunited with Sam Weatherley, who rode him to victory in the Riccarton feature.
“It’s a beautiful barrier for him because he will race handy, as he did in the New Zealand Cup, and if it’s a true two miles then he’s obviously going to run the trip out,” said Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray.
“The draw is a godsend and he can be ridden out of the gates and then relax very quickly, which is a good asset to have.”
They have also tried to replicate Mahrajaan’s lead-up to the New Zealand Cup.
“We sent him up to Ruakaka last Sunday for the week to work him on the beach, he did so well at Riccarton on the beach,” Ritchie said.
“We thought it was the right way to go to try and get some freshness into his legs.”
Stablemate Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) also looms as a strong chance in the hands of Michael McNab in the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m) off a break.
“We nominated her for the open 1400m and this and she’s obviously much better off under the set weights and penalties,” Ritchie said.
“Her first-up record is pretty good and she’s well-prepared. She’s had a barrier trial and we took her up to Ellerslie for a look around.
“We’ve kept the foot on the pedal a bit with her so she’s ready.
“She’s unbeaten second-up and the Group One (New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, 1600m) in three weeks is her target, so there will be a bit of improvement to come.”
Ritchie also likes the chances of Brave Spirit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in Saturday’s Tempur Classic (1200m).
“He’s drawn down low and will get an economical trip and has got McNab on as well,” he said.
“It’s an $80,000 Rating 65 so it’s a very good race for him and I think he’ll be hard to beat.”
The Swiss Ace gelding has opened his current campaign with three consecutive placings to go with a debut victory and a runner-up finish from his first preparation.
