Ruby Lovera wins the Diamond Classic double in Perth

Promising harness racing filly Ruby Lovera (Sweet Lou) completed a unique double when she led all the way in the Group 3 $50,000 Westral 3YO Fillies Diamond Classic Final at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

As a two year old Ruby Lovera had won the Diamond Classic for 2YO fillies in August, a feat only equalled by the prolific winning Water Lou.

Trained by Justin Prentice who entrusted the driving services to Gary Hall Jnr, Ruby Lovera was a warm favourite on the basis of her favourable barrier draw 2.

Pre race the event was marred by Delulu striking her head on the mobile in the lead up and she was taken out on veterinary advice.

As expected Ruby Lovera easily held the lead despite a fast charge from Reinette who couldn’t get across and was forced to race outside the leader. Hall Jnr then dictated his own terms of pace and was never really out of second gear. Ruby Lou from the second row was taken up by Shannon Suvaljko and obtained a perfect trail behind Reinette.

The field bunched up in the final lap but Ruby Lovera was let go by Hall Jnr and in running her last quarter in 28.2 seconds she dashed away to score an effortless win by just under nine metres from Gelsemino Amal with Wicked Lover battling on for third placing. The run of Ruby Lou was best forgotten as she was badly pocketed in the final lap and she never was able to find a clear run in the home straight.

RUBY LOVERA MAY 16 REPLAY

Gary Hall Jnr commented after the event.

“I judged the start pretty well. The mobile didn’t get out of our way and she got on top of it. She put in a bit of a rough one. Thankfully it didn’t happen to get her beaten. She went on to win pretty easy.”

“I noticed first start when I saw her at Bunbury and I said to Justin she’s a different horse. Not only has she got taller but she filled right out as well. And looking at her from two to three year old straight away looked like she was going to improve a lot.”

“Her run at Pinjarra when I drove her before this was outstanding. I didn’t think she was capable of doing what she did and win.”

Ruby Lovera’s dam Lovera was unraced but she had previously produced the classy youngsters Artemis Belle and Eagle Rox so Ruby Lovera has a lot to live up to with her illustrious half sisters although at this stage she gives every indication that she is as good as they were.

Ruby Lovera was a $70,000 purchase at the 2023 Perth APG yearling sale and was bought by Justin Prentice for a large syndicate.

Only lightly raced Ruby Lovera has had 12 appearances for five wins and four placings and in excess of $115,700 in prize money.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink