Mare’s next Group One start weather dependant

Devise

The weather will have the final say on the immediate future of the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m) winner Devise.

“There are two options for her, she still holds a nomination for the Australian Cup at Flemington, which is the same day as the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes,” trainer Shaun Ritchie said.

“Her training regime will be exactly the same wherever we go. The worry is a wet track at Ellerslie and Flemington dries extremely well so we would have no concerns there.

“She’s already climbed the biggest mountain here with that Group One win so it would be interesting to see where she sits over in Australia, she’s got a bit of form around Bonneval.

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“As Murray Baker has said, you can’t be afraid of them and a placing in the Australian Cup would hold more stead for her future breeding career than another Group One win here.”

Ritchie said a final decision would be made by The Oaks Stud’s Rick Williams, racing manager for the farm’s owner Dick Karreman, who also bred the Darci Brahma mare.

“It’s weather dependant and it will be up to Rick, but the call doesn’t have to be made until next week.”
Devise had finished runner-up to Bonneval in last season’s New Zealand Oaks (2400m) in her only previous Group One outing before breaking through at Hawke’s Bay on Saturday.

“I’m just delighted for the horse,” Ritchie said. “She always puts in her best and she’s one of those mares who are just lovely to have in the stable.

“We all know how much Dick Karreman and The Oaks Stud put into racing and breeding, so it’s a great result for them.”

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