Racing: Juveniles face off at Otaki

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The old saying that when the going gets tough the tough get going applies to winter juvenile stakes races.

Class is a factor in any of the world's races, but so, too, is the ability to maintain momentum in the worst of heavy winter footing.

A trio of youngsters who have shown that capability face off in the $45,000 Ryder Stakes at Otaki today.

Whoshe, Elusive Red and Testa Secret have displayed exceptional ability in the mud, conditions they are almost certain to face again.

Whoshe has had a break since showing strength to win the Great Northern Foal Stakes on a heavy track at Ellerslie on May 28.

The Otto stable has a knack of getting their horses ready to win when fresh and the two-month break from racing is unlikely to be a factor.

Elusive Red has had the racing to have her fit and hard for a race like this.

She displays plenty of determination at the end of her races.

The unbeaten Testa Secret beat Elusive Red by three-quarters of a length in the Castletown Stakes at Foxton before the latter won last start. She could turn out to be very good.