Rudy Among Doncaster Mile Contenders
- Sunday, 14 December 2014 07:06
Rudy is the first horse into the $3 million Doncaster Mile courtesy of his Villiers Stakes win but trainer Helen Page admits it will be a tough assignment.
The four-year-old was produced inside the 200 metres by Luke Tarrant and fought off I'm Imposing to win by a short neck.
Rudy is now in a group on the fourth line of betting at $26 for the $3 million Doncaster on April 4 in the TAB's first markets.
"The Doncaster is the A grade but he is in it now," the Gold Coast-based Page said.
"It's definitely something to aim for.
"He wasn't ready to go to Melbourne in the spring which is why we decided on a summer campaign.
"He also needed to get his prize money up to get into the better races."
Although the four-race campaign was over shorter distances, Page has not dismissed stepping Rudy up to 2400 metres again.
She said circumstances conspired against Rudy in the Queensland Derby in which he finished 17th of the 18 runners.
"Things just didn't work out on the day," she said.
"It was hard for him from the outside barrier and Hugh Bowman was forced to go forward and lead which didn't suit."
Saturday's Sydney trip was a homecoming for Page who won the 1989 Villiers with Spot The Rock when she was based at Warwick Farm.
In the post-race celebrations she was oblivious to the drama surrounding her jockey who weighed in 400g under 53kg. Another 100g would have meant Rudy's disqualification.
Tarrant was fined $1000 and given a stern warning from chief steward Ray Murrihy.
Epsom Handicap winner He's Your Man heads the Doncaster betting with his Chris Waller-trained stablemates Royal Descent and Sacred Falls at $11.
Another stablemate, Boban, is among several horses on the third line at $15.
Sacred Falls beat Royal Descent, Weary and Hawkspur to claim his second Doncaster this year, leading in a first four for Waller.
