Redcliffe Derby win sets up more ambitious targets

Star New Zealand gelding Rubira (Always B Miki) continued the great run of success for the Kiwi harness racing raiders when he led all the way to take out the Group 3 $52,000 Redcliffe Derby on Saturday night.

Rubira had impressed with his Australian debut a fortnight back at Albion Park and from the pole position looked the one beat despite the presence of Queensland’s outstanding colt Fate Awaits.

Driver Adam Sanderson had no hesitation taking advantage of the pole position to retain the advantage of leading. However Grant Dixon on the inside of the second row with Fate Awaits was able to follow through to take the trail behind Rubira.

Jungle Dragon had the one out and one back trail while the fancied Path To Greatness was shunted back to the rear.

RUBIRA REPLAY JUN 28

Rubira was always travelling comfortably in the lead and in running his last two quarters in 27.8 seconds had his rivals off the bit. Fate Awaits battled on determinedly to finish two metres behind the winner with Jungle Dragon on third placing.

Driver Adam Sanderson expressed his confidence in Rubira.

“Once he left the gate he relaxed beautifully and then the more he went on he gradually worked into it and it worked out in our favour. It gives you more confidence wearing the famous Purden colours.”

Co trainer Mark Purden added “The horse is on the up. Every time when he went to race such as Auckland he’s stepped up on that occasion. Since he’s been here there’s a lot more improvement to come. So he’s thrived since being here and hopefully he keeps stepping up.”

“I thought the first run he probably got away from me slightly. We took him in for a good run and he had a good blow and I think he’ll be where he needs to be next week. He’s the pin up three year old of our group of New Zealand three year olds for sure.”

Rubira will now take his place in next week’s $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park and then will tackle the Group 1 $150,000 Queensland Pacers Derby on 19 July. He is also likely to encounter Fate Awaits in both features.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink