NEWS
Military Move brings trainer full circle in New Zealand Derby
Posted: Saturday, March 06, 2010 5:11 PM
by Myra Lewyn
After his father won the New Zealand Derby (NZ-G1) with Racing Hall of Famer Bonecrusher 25 years ago, trainer Shaune Ritchie tasted sweet classic success of his own with Military Move, who scored an improbable victory in this year’s edition of the race on Saturday at Ellerslie.
Winless in six starts since his maiden victory in his debut at Taupo on September 9, Military Move benefitted from a pace that became dawdling midway through the race. Tracking close to the leaders, he was ready with an eager response when asked by jockey Michael Walker, uncoiling his winning move at the top of the straight and spurting clear for a one-length triumph at 15.80-to-1 odds.
Military Move started from post number two and stalked early leader Time Keeper while saving ground before taking over from just outside that foe and opening a clear advantage in the straight. He completed 2,400 meters (11.93 furlongs) in 2:27.91 on turf rated as good.
Corporal Jones finished second, a nose in front of third-place finisher Handsome Zulu.
A Volksraad gelding, Military Move signaled his classic potential with a runner-up finish to Katie Lee in the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (NZ-G1) on November 7. Katie Lee was never a factor on Saturday, finishing next to last in the 15-horse field.
Ritchie said a number of factors converged on Saturday to aid Military Move in his career-best performance.
“All we needed was a good draw and a good track and we seemed to handle the track today despite the rain,” Ritchie told the New Zealand Herald. “You always need a bit of luck in these Group 1 races, and the race was run perfectly for us as they slowed the pace during the middle stages and we were there, ready to pounce.”
Steven Kit Sing Lo’s Military Move, who is out of the Just a Dancer mare All Night Party, will be pointed to the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby on March 14 at Sha Tin Racecourse.
Ritchie was Bonecrusher’s groom when his father, Frank Ritchie, saddled him to win the 1985 New Zealand Derby.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
