Three Saturday Trans-Tasman winners for Tivaci

Tivaci’s day went from good to great on Saturday, 8 February, as the son of High Chaparral sired three Trans-Tasman winners. Demonstrating his progeny’s versatility, his runners secured victories over distances ranging from 1514m to 2200m, with winning margins from one to nine lengths.

In New Zealand, it was the WS-bred duo Tuxedo (ex Ball Gown) and Lippy (ex Cheex) who flew the flag for their sire.

Tuxedo added the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas to his Gr.3 Wellington Stakes winning tally – from just first starts including a second placing in the 2025 Karaka Millions 3YO. His co-trainer, Shaune Ritchie, had hinted at a Gr.1 NZ Derby start on 8 March if the colt proved himself in this race – and he certainly did.

Tuxedo will line up in the Gr.1 NZ Derby on 8 March, joining Sought After (ex Popular), who is set to contest the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi.

Lippy (ex Cheex) came home by one length at Wingatui for young trainer Nayton Mitchell adding a a fifth win to his record.

Across the Tasman, Chris Waller and his team unearthed a smart son of Tivaci with Mr Vivaci breaking his maiden at start three at Yarra Valley by five lengths carrying 59.5kg, and still hitting the line well under senior jockey Teo Nugent.

Chris Waller’s Kirikan (Tivaci ex Jammu) produced a smart third placing at Canterbury on Friday night and will be one to watch entering the autumn.

Waikato Stud will offer two yearling colts by Tivaci, both bred on a Group 1-producing cross: Lot 256 and Lot 402.