Ripper Ruby Ready for Cluden Return

Exciting filly Ruby July won’t be engaging in a speed battle in her much-anticipated return at Cluden Park tomorrow, according to her trainer Michael Lee.

The daughter of Bel Espirit will clash tomorrow with flying filly Lily Of The Glen in the C.U.B. 3yo Benchmark 65 Hcp (1000m) and has been installed early favourite.

Ruby July is first-up since recording scintillating wins at her first two starts at Cluden in February and an unplaced run in the $500,000 QTIS 3YO Jewel at the Gold Coast in March.

Lee said Ruby July, who will be ridden by Lacey Morrison, was primed for a good first-up run but didn’t have to lead.

“This preparation we want to extend Ruby July out over 1200m and possibly further so we want to get her to settle,” Lee said.

“The other filly has speed (Lily Of The Glen) and if they want to go quick and lead we’ll take a sit. We don’t want to be caught in a speed battle. 

“Lacey has ridden her in all of her work and I don’t need to give her any instructions.”

Lee is confident Ruby July can run out a strong 1200m but has no target races in mind yet for the up-coming winter carnival.

He said punters should ignore the filly’s only run over 1200m in the Jewel in wet conditions at the Gold Coast.

“You couldn’t assess her on that run. Big trip away, first run on the track, on heavy going from a wide gate. It was all against her,” Lee said.

“Since the spell she’s grown and put on weight and is really feeling good.

“She’ been in work for about two and half months and I’m very happy with the way she’s come back. We’ll just take each race as they come.”

Ruby July is unbeaten in two runs at the Cluden 1000m and in both wins joined an elite group of sprinters with sub 56 second times.

Lily Of The Glen is also two wins from two starts at the track and distance and will be chasing her fourth straight win for trainer Rodney Miller.

Miller also has a leading hand in the TAB QTIS 2YO Hcp (1200m) with $100,000 Cluden Classic runner-up Koheeto.

Koheeto was nabbed on the line when he finished second in the Classic behind Palencia for Rockhampton trainer Jared Wehlow but has since transferred to Miller’s Cairns stables.

The Outreach gelding has drawn gate one and will have the services of regular stable rider Bonnie Thomson.

Tomorrow’s race has drawn another quality field which includes Boomed, Anniemariah and Gossiping Girl as well as Pallarenda Stakes winner Destroy The Star and last start winners It’s A Ploy and Hallside Hammer.

Meanwhile, Cups hopeful Brilliant Mind will again be out to lift his ratings for the forthcoming Cups circuit when he lines up in the NQ Licensed Events Benchmark 70 Hcp (1609m).

The winner of his past two starts at Cluden, Brilliant Mind will again be ridden by apprentice Marnu Potgieter who will claim 2kg off the gelding’s weight of 61kg.

Pictured: Ruby July in full flight when she won in sub 56 second time at her first start at Cluden in February. The talented filly makes her return to racing today. Photo courtesy of Mike Mills Photography. 

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.