Shaune Ritchie has backed his judgment once again at Karaka.
The Cambridge trainer went to $340,000 to purchase lot 217, the Dundeel colt out of Encosta de Lago mare Tonality.
Ritchie went to $300,000 to secure The Good Fight at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2016 Premier Yearling Sale, and he shares more than just a similar price to Ritchie’s latest acquisition.
“Gary and Lynne Witters (purchasers) have been clients for a while, they are in The Good Fight with us,” Ritchie said.
“The horse will stay and race in New Zealand. They were looking for a horse to primarily run in the New Zealand Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) and we thought this horse fitted the bill.
“It is one for New Zealand, which is nice, because a lot of them go overseas.”
Meanwhile, Ritchie is preparing The Good Fight for a tilt at the Gr.3 SkyCity City of Auckland Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
“Hopefully he can win it to help pay for this one,” Ritchie quipped. - NZ RAcing Desk