Tiptronic ready to go into overdrive
There’s little doubt for Matamata trainer Graham Richardson that Tiptronic will be a far superior racehorse as a four- year- old when he strengthens and matures and irons out the chinks in his armour.
But that’s not to say the O’Reilly gelding won’t yet get his chance to chase a Classic win as a three- yearold.
Tiptronic resumes in today’s Triton Pacific Owens Plate ( 1300m) at Tauranga, the first time he has raced since finishing a narrow second to Swissta in the Great Northern Guineas ( 1600m) at Ellerslie when gallopers the quality of Jon Snow, Cha Siu Bao and Romancer were among the chasing division.
“It was a really good run that day. He’s still very green and he’s got a lot to learn. He probably cost himself any chance of winning by gawking around in the straight,” Richardson said.
Leading in to just his fifth start at Tauranga, Tiptronic had developed with his late summer break from racing but could still find 1300m too short today, Richardson said.
“He’s looking for more ground but he’ll go a nice race. His work on Tuesday was very good.”
So what is Tiptronic’s ideal trip in the eyes of his trainer?
“I’d say 2400m,” Richardson said, raising the possibility of a winter tilt at the Queensland Derby at that distance at Eagle Farm on June 10.
Richardson will head to Tauranga with a team of five. Joining Tiptronic are Wildflower, Mahalo, Four Degrees and Contessa Belle.