Shaune Ritchie hopes his decision to bypass the fillies’ feature at Riccarton with Tajana will pay off on Saturday when she takes on the boys in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).
Cups king Mahrajaan made his first public appearance in more than 12 months when he finished third behind Group One winner Provence in his 1100m heat at the Ellerslie trials on Thursday.
Cambridge trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray have utilised Ruakaka for a week stint in winter over the last few years, and they are hoping this year’s sojourn continues to reap rewards at the northern venue on Wednesday.
