Tuxedo produces smart performance at Ellerslie
Tuxedo (Tivaci) made up for a heartbreaking second on Ellerslie’s feature raceday last year and pushed his earnings into seven figures with a determined win in the NZ$1 million Aotearoa Classic (Gr 3, 1600m) on Saturday.
Ridden to perfection from a sticky gate nine of 16 by comeback jockey Opie Bosson, the Shaun Ritchie and Colin Murray–trained Tuxedo settled midfield one off the fence as the field strung out under a strong pace.
Bosson bided his time in the middle of the ruck, found clear air at the 300 metres, and his $8.50 chance settled into a beautiful rhythm to gradually mow down Andrew Forsman’s brave leader Hinekaha (Savabeel) and win by 0.3 lengths. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained visitor Knobelas (Belardo) took third, 0.7 lengths further away.
From humble beginnings, Tuxedo has now won five of his 12 starts including two Group 3s and a Group 2, the latter being last February’s Waikato Guineas (Gr 2, 2000m).
A son of former Waikato Stud stallion Tivaci (High Chaparral) – whose lack of success led to his exportation to China in September 2024 – Tuxedo was bought from Waikato’s draft for $70,000 at the Karaka sale in 2023 by co-owner Grant Barnett.
He now ranks second-best among Tivaci’s seven stakes winners from 277 runners, after Group 1 victor Never Been Kissed, and Saturday’s NZ$500,000 first prize took his earnings to NZ$1.04 million.
The win, which came with the benefit of newly added blinkers, also made up for Tuxedo’s one length second on the same day last year in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic behind the outstanding Damask Rose (Savabeel).
“He’s always shown us plenty of ability,” said co-trainer Ritchie. “I thought the blinkers would help a little bit.”
Ritchie paid tribute to Bosson, who returned to riding last August after only six months in retirement.
“You just don’t give Opie Bosson instructions on Karaka Million night,” he said. “I did just say one little thing – that when you go for him he’ll be a little reactive, because the blinkers will probably switch him on like they did in trackwork last week. But he’s one of the best, Opie, isn’t he?”
Tuxedo is named for his dam Ball Gown (O’Reilly), and has inspired his owners – and consequently his trainers – to stand out from the crowd in their formal dinner wear when he races.
“I’m delighted for my clients,” Richie said from behind his black bow tie. “They’ve been with us for years and years and they’ve put a lot of money in, and days like this is what it’s all about, so I’m thrilled for them all.
“They really get a kick out of it and they enjoy every moment of it. It’s a fantastic game to get people together and I’m glad to be a part of it myself.
“I just hope they don’t buy a filly and call it Mini Skirt, because I won’t look that flash.”
Ritchie said he’d “love to have a little crack at Australia” with Tuxedo, but was also considering running him in next month’s Otaki Mile (Gr 1, 1600m).
Bosson was full of praise for Tuxedo’s tenacity up the Ellerslie straight.
“All I needed was a split. Once we got out and balanced up he did the rest. When I came out, I thought I was a big chance and then he [Hinekaha] kicked again on the inside. To his [Tuxedo’s] credit, he stuck to his guns and kept going,” said Bosson, delighted with a major win to affirm his comeback decision.
“To get back in the saddle and to get another big one is great.”
Tuxedo is the first foal out of Ball Gown, whose Sydney city–winning dam Fancy Dress (Savabeel) is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Sports Illustrated (Fast ’N’ Famous).
Fourth dam Flying Floozie (Pompeii Court) is the dam of five-time, dual hemisphere Group 1 winner Starcraft (Soviet Star), and Forum Floozie (Danasinga), a Sydney Listed winner who was also three times placed at the top level.
Tuxedo is the only runner of three named foals for Ball Gown, whose son of Super Seth (Dundeel) will be offered by Waikato Stud as Lot 298 at the Karaka Yearling Sale on Monday.