Riodini to make New Zealand return in Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes

[Wandering Eyes]

Riodini will make his New Zealand return in Sunday’s Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua. Photo credit: Trish Dunell

Seven-year-old Riodini is set to return to the New Zealand racing scene after a four-year absence, featuring in the upcoming Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes at Rotorua.

Trained by Nigel Tiley, Riodini began his career in 2019 with notable wins, including the Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes.

Following a stint in Australia under the guidance of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, where he achieved success in The Gong and placed in several prestigious races, Riodini has made his way back to Tiley’s stable.

“It’s great to have him back in the stable again now, and he seems to be a very happy horse,” said Tilley.

Despite being a seven-year-old, Riodini appears lively, and Tiley anticipates a need for a couple of runs to regain full fitness.

Riodini is scheduled to kick off his New Zealand campaign in the Sweynesse Stakes with jockey Sam Spratt aboard. Online bookmakers have rated him as the third favourite at +450.

Reflecting on Riodini’s future plans, Tiley outlined a target on the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 9, formerly known as the Captain Cook Stakes.

“The Captain Cook is the main race that we’ll be targeting with him at this point,” revealed Tilley.

Considering Riodini’s rating of 98, Tiley acknowledged the focus on weight-for-age and set weight and penalty races due to the horse being weighted out of handicaps.

“I’ve been really happy with how he’s come up in this preparation. I’m expecting him to need the run on Sunday.

“He’s a seven-year-old now and will probably take a run or two to build his fitness. But I’ve been pleased with his progress,”

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