Sir Linwood is showing encouraging signs of an early return on his investment.
The 2-year-old, who was a $220,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale purchase at Karaka, will make his debut in the Haunui Farm 2YO at Pukekohe Park today off the back of a trial success.
"I don't believehe is a natural 2-year-old, but he's done enough to dip his toe into the water," trainer Frank Ritchie said.
"We'll see how he goes and if he runs well enough then we might look at something a bit better for him in the autumn.
He's a really nice horse and he will be a lot better as a 3-year-old."
A colt by Hussonet, Sir Linwood turned in an encouraging performance when he was a winner at the Cambridge trials earlier this month, but Ritchie is respectful of the opposition today.
"It's a very good field and Aim Smart was an impressive trial winner when he beat my filly [Fiscal Fantasy] and Excelleration goes really well," he said.
"I would have preferred something a bit softer for him first-up, but it will provide a good gauge as to where we're at."
