Ruby Ready to Sparkle in Cluden Return

Atherton trainer Michael Lee is confident his boom mare Ruby July’s love of the Cluden Park track can lift her to another win tomorrow.

Ruby July is unbeaten in three starts at Cluden – all over the 1000m course – and is favourite to continue on her winning way in the Willows Pool Shop Cl6 Plate (1000m).

The Bel Esprit mare has been beaten only twice in a six start career, including a narrow second in Cairns over 1250m at the amateurs earlier this month.

Ruby July faces stiff opposition again tomorrow in the shape of Townsville and Cairns Lightning winner Temple Front from Gary Dickson’s stables.

Lee is mindful of Ruby July’s awkward outside draw in the field of nine but says the drop back to 1000m will be ideal.

“Ruby’s feeling well and working well and I think she’s a very good chance,” Lee said.

“She’s pretty much a track specialist in Townsville and if she can get a decent run from the barrier I think she’ll be hard to beat.

“I’m certain she will get 1200m. At her last start she was caught up front with three in line and they took off from the 700m. 

“The winner was at the back and giggling. 

“I’ll see how she goes tomorrow and maybe look at another 1200m race.”

It could be a big day for Lee who has Ruby July’s little brother Yes Dream set down for his race debut in the BFQ Accountants QTIS 3YO Mdn (1000m).

Yes Dream is by Dream Ahead out of the same dam, Platinum Ruby, and has had two trials in readiness for his first start.

But Lee said he would likely make a last minute decision on a start because of a wide draw and the rail being out 6.5m.

“He’s showing ability, but he’s never really been pushed right out. His trials have been good and I’m happy with him but the lack of race experience and the wide draw could work against us,” Lee said.

“I’m 50-50 whether to start at this stage.”

Leading the capacity field for the race is Ken Miller trained Bean Deadly from Rockhampton who finished fourth at his most recent start in the $126,000 Rocky 2yo Classic behind Valley Rattler.

Wulguru trainer Joanna Hassett is hoping former Brisbane croc Simply Splashing can continue the stable’s good run with a strong showing in the Ray Fully Memorial (1300m).

Hassett has guided the eight-year-old through a successful comeback after 18 months away from the track with a knee injury.

A backmarker, Simply Splashing flew home at his most recent run to finish second to Willygood in the Cairns Amateurs Sprint on September 11.

“He’s going really well but his style is to get back and run home and  when the rail is out so far the track usually favours leaders,” Hassett said.

“The horse was bought for the Cleveland Bay last year but after when got here they discovered he had bone chips on one knee.

“I ended up being offered to train him and it was about a year from his operation to his first start.

“He won against some good company in Brisbane and has a lot of ability.

“But given his story and age he is a day to day proposition. 

“All of his runs have been very good and in Cairns it worked out well with plenty of pace and he ran a terrific race.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished with him. ”

Simply Splashing will line-up in a quality field headed by the quality sprinters Brad (65kg) and Langhro (63kg).

Pictured: Brilliant sprinter Ruby July cruises to a sensational debut win at Cluden in February with jockey Frank Edwards in the saddle.

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