New State record holder Ravishing Ruby is well bred

Ravishing Ruby (Always B Miki) dazzled in Hobart on Friday night, storming home to claim her heat of the Tasmanian Sweepstakes with a record-setting time of 1:56.5 for two-year-old fillies. The performance edged out the previous mark of 1:57.0 set by Beach Diamond, trimming half a second off the benchmark.

The filly, sired by Always B Miki—who will be absent from Alabar’s stallion roster this breeding season due to injury—was guided expertly by driver Mark Yole. After letting her settle early, Yole pushed her to the lead after 250 meters, and from there, Ravishing Ruby cruised to an untouched 12.5 metre win.

“She’s still very green,” Yole remarked post-race, “but she has a motor.”

Heading into the Sweepstakes Final on August 2nd, Ravishing Ruby is set to start as the firm favourite. She’s the first foal out of five-time winner The Blue Beat (by A Rocknroll Dance), and her pedigree is stacked with talent. Her second dam is Group 1 placegetter The Blue Lotus, a half-sister to the legendary Tintin In America, winner of five Group 1 titles and now sire of the world’s fastest mare, Shartin (1:46.8).

Initially passed in for $20,000 at the Karaka NZB National Yearling Sale, Ravishing Ruby was swiftly acquired by Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock following negotiations with the vendor—proving to be a savvy pickup.

For complete race results, click here.

by Gary Newton