Let Her Rip has Tarzino back up plan
TARZINO Trophy hopeful Let Her Rip will make the trip across the Tasman if it does not make the field for this season’s opening group one race.
Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie is keen to run the mare despite sitting just outside the top 21 nominations for the event.
“She’s 40-1 for the race and that’s probably fair as it will be a strong field of weight-for-age performers,” Ritchie said.
“She is a group three winner and we’re hoping the big wet will continue through to Hastings and she can run in the top three.”
Ritchie remains hopeful Let Her Rip will get the call up.
“She is borderline to get in so we’re thinking that if she doesn’t, and as she is so effective fresh, that we might look at the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington,” he said.
“It’s a group two at set weights and penalties and a race we won with Zurella.
“Our first preference though would be to stay closer to home and have a crack at that group one.”
Let Her Rip will further its preparation with a gallop between races at Ruakaka on Wednesday.
Ritchie is also hoping to have a couple of talented performers in action on the Hastings undercard.
“Bella Gioia and Cut Me Loose will be presented at Hawke’s Bay at some point over the carnival,” he said.
Bella Gioia’s Queensland winter carnival campaign was cut short after an unplaced run in the Group Three Fred Best Classic on a heavy Eagle Farm track that took its toll.
“She’s doing great now and she’s still got residual fitness,” Ritchie said.
“Cut Me Loose is a smart horse and he’s coming up nicely as well.”
The Swiss Ace four-year-old won two of its four starts last season and finished third behind Saracino in the Group Two Wellington Guineas.