Red Ruler Spot On For The Cup
- Sunday, 24 January 2010 01:25
Instructions to ride Red Ruler (5yo G. Viking Ruler – Ransom Bay, Red Ransom) as the best horse in the race, again proved spot on as he strode to a dominant victory in the $70,000, Group III, Selaks Trentham Stakes, raced under weight-for-age conditions over 2100m at Trentham racecourse in Wellington on Saturday.
Matamata trainer John Sargent had told rider Mark Du Plessis to “ride him as though he is the best horse in the race” when the pair combined to win the group two City of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on January 1, his previous start.
Du Plessis proceeded to carry out the instructions, riding the bold galloper from a wide draw to trail before surging clear in the straight, and he emulated the feat with positive display from barrier rise that resulted in a comfortable three quarter length victory.
Abuzz from the success, part-owner and Chairman of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Guy Sargent said, “It’s great that New Zealand is getting a chance to see how good this horse is. He competed well against the best horses in Australia.”
Sargent shares the winner of $1,140,383 from six victories in ownership with Ron Arculli, Andrew Meehan.
Second place finisher Stand Tall pleased trainer John Wheeler at his third run back from a spell.
“He’s needed his first two runs as he hadn’t raced for a long time, but he’ll be better next week with a pull in weights”, said Wheeler.
Both horses are set to contest the $250,000, Group II, Century City 2010 Wellington Cup at Trentham next Saturday, January 30.
Raced under handicap conditions, Red Ruler will carry fifty-seven kilograms, while Stand Tall is the benefactor with fifty-three and a half.
The outsider, Hurrah finished third.
Returning $2.70 & $1.40 as favourite, Red Ruler completed the 2100 metres on 2:12.42 on slow footing that did not suit according to his rider.
Du Plessis said, “I was concerned about the track, but he travelled up a bit better than expected and since the Zabeel he’s improved ten lengths.”
At Ellerslie on Boxing Day, three starts ago, Red Ruler finished second to Vosne Romanee in the group one Zabeel Classic WFA.
Red Ruler continues to flourish and impress his trainer.
“He’s flying at the moment”, said Sargent. “I told Mark ‘there is no better horse in the stable at present’.”
“Settle him where he’s happy and let him do his thing.”
“I gave him three days in the paddock after he won at Ellerslie, and we’re at Wellfield for the week, so he’ll come back here next Saturday”, said Sargent.
TAB bookmakers currently view Red Ruler as a $2.80 chance to win the Wellington Cup, where he sure to be competitive again, especially if receives the good type of footing he genuinely prefers.
Picture: Sportpix
