Proven stayer Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) will open his quest for another major distance title when he returns to action at Trentham on Saturday.
The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained import will make his first appearance in the Happy 80th Birthday Jeff Berkett Handicap (1600m) since he claimed top honours in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton.
While first-up fireworks aren’t expected from Mahrajaan, the American-bred six-year-old has pleased his connections in his lead-up work.
“Each preparation he has got better and better and I don’t think we’ve had him in better order than we’ve got him right now,” Ritchie said.
“He looks outstanding and we’re very happy with the condition he’s carrying.”
To be ridden by apprentice Lily Sutherland, Mahrajaan will step out at Trentham on his way toward a crack at the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 9.
“We’re probably pleased in hindsight that we didn’t go to the Wellington Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) because he doesn’t handle wet ground and the slow track wouldn’t have suited him at all,” Ritchie said.
“He had three weeks off after Riccarton and the goal is the Auckland Cup and this is a nice lead-up run, he’ll get back and hit the line well.
“It will set him up nicely for the Avondale Cup (Gr.2, 2400m) and then three weeks to the Auckland Cup.”
There is also a possibility that Mahrajaan could travel further afield this campaign.
“The reason we have gone for this program is that it opens up the chance to perhaps get to the Brisbane Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) with a couple of runs beforehand,” Ritchie said.
A son of Kitten’s Joy, Mahrajaan was a three-time winner in England before he was purchased for 75,000 guineas at the Tattersall’s Horses In Training Sale.
“The owners had the faith in me to go and buy him there and the first prep he looked slow, and it didn’t look that great,” Ritchie said.
“We always said he needed to go over further, but we didn’t know for sure, so once he put it together and got over the trips he needed, he showed what he’s got.
“We believe he’s improved four to six lengths off the New Zealand Cup, and he needs to, the Auckland Cup will be a stronger race and we’re aware of that.”
The stable also has the promising Nepheti (NZ) in the Adopt A Greyhound @ greymates.co.nz (1600m), although the daughter of Charm Spirit isn’t certain to make the trip south.
“She’s really progressive, although there is rain predicted on the day and that would be a question mark and I’d be reluctant to run her if rain is still forecast,” Ritchie said.
“She may be reserved for the Taranaki three-year-old fillies’ race (Listed Oaks Prelude, 1800m) next week.”
Nepheti finished runner-up on debut at Hastings and returned there to break her maiden in style and is on a path toward the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), a race Ritchie has previously won with Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle), Artistic (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Keep The Peace (NZ) (Keeper).
“That will be her target and we realise how hard it would be to win coming off a maiden race at this stage of the year,” he said.
“The fillies we have won the Oaks with have gone through the usual series of races so it won’t be easy, but she will stay, and I think Trentham will really suit her.”
