Made to measure for Ruby Roe

Today’s third harness racing heat of the SSBA Southern Belle Speed Series at Wyndham was made to measure for the John and Katrina Price owned Ruby Roe (Captaintreacherous).

The early gas came from Sweet Diamond who powered off the gate from the 1609 metre dispatch and was in front heading into the first bend.

“We didn’t let up much. We were running,” trainer driver Nathan Williamson said after the mile was cut out in 1-51.9.

“It was good that there was plenty of pace on because it can be awkward from that alley (outside of the second row). It meant that we could stalk for as long as we could then do that last bit. I was just saying to John and Katrina that I was really impressed with her last 30 metres. She’s just learning how to race and has been a bit of a goofball at times. Today she really wanted to put her head in front so it was good.”

RUBY ROE REPLAY

Williamson says the consistent mile racing seems to agree with Ruby Roe.

“I think this mile racing is sharpening her up mentally. In New Zealand we mix up our distances. It’s quite nice to have these races where we can race her every fortnight over a mile and have her pretty sharp.”

A new race on the Southern calendar – the $40,000 Group Three Champagne Stakes on the Wyndham track in a fortnight, is the next target for the mare.

She’ll then start in the $40,000 final of the SSBA Southern Belle Speed Series which will be run at Winton on Thursday April 17th, the day before Easter Friday.

“It’s lovely to have races down here fortnightly for mares like her.”

Today’s winning time was just outside the track record for mares. The record of 1-51.8 was recorded by Darling Me in March 2022.

Meanwhile Williamson was happy with both Hidden Talent (third) and Secret Agent Man’s (second) performances at Addington last night.

“They both showed they were up to the class and raced well. Hidden Talent has done some travelling before so she was pretty good and the other fella took it all in his stride too.”

Secret Agent Man is a relative novice, having had only five career starts.

“He’s a horse we’ve handled in kid gloves because he’s been a big immature horse. He showed that he was up to that grade. The horse that beat him and a few around him are pretty smart animals. I think he’s very progressive and I think he’ll be better in twelve to eighteen months.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink