RELIABLE RUBY marked her racetrack return for trainer Chris Munce with a dynamic win at Doomben on Wednesday.
The daughter of Reliable Man hadn’t raced competitively since October 2021, but made light of the lengthy absence with a thrilling last-stride victory in the Class 1 Handicap (1050m). It was a maiden city win for the lightly-raced mare, who was a bargain buy at just $35,000 from the Magic Millions National Sale in 2019. Despite missing the start, RELIABLE RUBY slowly worked her way into the race and when jockey Larry Cassidy asked her for an effort in the closing stages, she responded with a slick turn of foot to run down the favourite in the shadows of the post. “I didn’t expect her to be near last coming round the turn, I thought she’d be box-sitting behind the leaders but it may have been a blessing in disguise in the end,” said Chris. “She’s only a lightly-framed filly, so it doesn’t take a lot to get her fit and ready to bring to the races. We had initially thought she’d get further, but I think we’ll probably just keep her to sprint trips this prep. “It’s good to get another win for Strong Bloodstock as Blake, John and the rest of the team are good supporters of the stable.” Victory took her earnings to $37,800 with the mare's handy record now sitting at two wins and two minor placings from just five starts. Congratulations to our partners: D P Gilmore, Mr S A Gilmore, Mr D James, Mr J Vearing, Mr M J Hutchinson, Shouldwegeta, Mr N J Austin, Mr S M Campbell, Rubble Bubble, K C M B, Mr A M Campbell, Mr B R Matthews, Mr D K Geeves, Mr A D Taylor, Nutsy Investments and Mr D M Carmody.