Ritchie's charger prevails

Trainer Shaune Ritchie finally captured one of the major races at Cup Week when My Scotsgrey won the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton on Saturday.

Ritchie would have returned home to Cambridge with three major races but his horses were twice beaten by the outstanding filly, Katie Lee.

The previous Saturday Military Move appeared to have the Two Thousand Guineas at his mercy with 150 metres to run before being gunned down late by Katie Lee, and on Saturday Keep The Peace was headed late in the One Thousand Guineas also by Katie Lee.

There was no upset in the 146th New Zealand Cup, however, and Ritchie got the win that he deserved when My Scotsgrey outstayed his opponents in the $225,000 Group Three feature.

"It's a relief that's for sure," Ritchie said after the race.

"We always knew that the race was suited to him and so went into it with a bit of confidence, but it's one thing thinking you will run well compared to actually doing it."

My Scotsgrey backed up from his emphatic win in the Metropolitan Trophy a week earlier, the grey son of Golan was equally as impressive when stepping up to the 3200 metres on Saturday.

"He's a natural stayer and we have been aiming him for this race since after the Derby as we always thought he would run a strong two miles. It has just been a case of him stepping up over ground, and he will get better with age."

The only concern Ritchie had with My Scotsgrey heading into Saturday's race was that the 3200 metres might not have been long enough.

But while others started to feel the ill effects of the testing journey, My Scotsgrey was just hitting top gear and ground his way to the front and extended his lead.

In the Metropolitan Trophy, Zabene and Smoking Chimneys filled the minor placings. Yesterday the result was exactly the same, showing just how important the race is as a lead- up to the New Zealand Cup.

Jockey Leith Innes found himself in trouble early however, being camped out three wide. Eventually he did get in and although Ritchie said he gave no instructions pre-race he was a little surprised that his jockey came out as early in the run home as he did.

"I actually thought he had come out way too early, but hey, that shows what I know. Obviously he knows that horse better than what I thought I did. It was a great ride by Leith."

Ritchie added that My Scotsgrey as well as the rest of his travelling team had thrived at the Woodend Beach harness training establishment of David and Catherine Butt.

"I have pretty much just left him alone all week, the horses have done incredible out there on the beach. He is a clean- winded horse who doesn't need much."

Next big assignment for My Scotsgrey and Ritchie will be the Auckland Cup in March.

- © Fairfax NZ News