Racing: Ritchie hopeful history repeats for stable

Something that happened as much by coincidence as anything has trainer Shaune Ritchie thinking it might be destiny.

It's only recently that Ritchie has paid much attention to the fact that as Keep The Peace heads into tomorrow's $200,000 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks at Trentham, her season-long preparation has exactly mirrored that of his Derby winner of two weeks ago Military Move.

"Both went to Riccarton in November and both ran second to Katie Lee in their respective Guineas races.

"Then both went to Trentham to run first-up over 1600m in their respective sex races.

"Military Move then had a 2000m and a 2100m race leading into the Derby. Keep The Peace has done exactly the same.

"Let's hope the strategic planning gets us the same result."

Military Move and Keep The Peace have often galloped together because of that similarity of programming and Ritchie says he's as happy with the filly as he was with Military Move before the Derby.

"The only difference was the knocking about she copped in that fillies' race at Te Rapa."

Keep The Peace was one of half the field who were badly turned sideways when a runner, not far behind the pace, broke a hind leg with 600m to run in the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic on February 13.

"She was sore after that - it knocked her right over and she came up dull in the coat for a while."

Ritchie advised the stewards that Keep The Peace had missed significant work before her second placing to Posavina at Hastings at her only subsequent start. "I had to run her in that race, I had no choice.

"That run was either going to knock her back completely or bring her right again and it's done just that.

"Her work at Cambridge on Tuesday morning was phenomenal. It's the best she's done in a long time."

The possible difference this time is the barrier draw - something that

favoured Military Move more than the outside gate Keep The Peace is going to have to contend with.

"She comes into No 14 with no scratchings and that sounds a lot better than the No 19.

"I can't see an option but to ride her cold and my worry is that she will end up getting the run at the back of the field that Zarzuela got in the Derby, when Military Move was racing handy.

"This time, Zarzuela has the advantage with the rails barrier draw."

Ritchie knows he can call on some help from the right quarters.

"I'm pleased she's part-owned by an ex-jockey [former Australian champion Mick Dittman].

"He can have the worry of giving Opie Bosson the instructions."