Ruby Ridge seeking redemption in Group Three

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Ruby Ridge has some unfinished business in the Gr.3 Harcourts Waikato Trotting Breeders’ Stakes (2700m).

She finished runner-up in the race last year to Gold Chain and will attempt to go one better when she contests the third edition of the race at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday.

“She was a bit unlucky last year, if things went her way she probably would have won it,” said Vaughan Blanchard, who trains in partnership with his father Peter.

“The stablemate (Cyclone Lucky Linda) stopped a wee bit and she lost her momentum. It was one that got away last year, but it would be great to go one better this year.”

Blanchard believes she has improved since last year but said she will have to bring her A-game to take on a competitive field on Thursday.

“The class of the field is probably stronger this year, so she is going to have to be better,”
Blanchard said.

“I thought she was a little short of fitness last start so hopefully she has improved off that. She seems to be trotting really well, we are just hoping for a bit of luck.”

The South Auckland trainers will also line-up Briani in the Black Dog Furniture Mobile Pace (2200m), Majestic Ruby in the Night Of Champions GA Tickets On Sale Friday Trot (2200m), Rossellini in the Clubhouse Quiz Night Is Back Trot (2200m), and Matai Meghan in the Magills Butchery Meats Te Awamutu Mobile Pace (2200m).

“We are still learning about Briani,” Blanchard said.

“His first run was really good and the next run didn’t really suit him. We thought the other day wasn’t a bad run, but he needs to improve.

“In saying that, his work has been good, so if he can get a handy spot he would be a good top four chance.

“We have got a bit of time for Majestic Ruby. She is not going to just be a maiden, she has got a lot of class and it is matter of getting raceday experience.

“She was probably going to run second or third last start before a late mistake. I think she will go well with 100 percent manners.

“Rossellini has been racing brilliant. Since her win she ran a nice fifth, and just made an early mistake last start. She is in a field that she should be competitive in if she does everything right. We have played with her shoeing, so we hope we have done the right thing and she gets back on track.

“Matai Meghan was going super races and last start wasn’t her go - a little filly like her getting caught parked.

“She has drawn one on the second row, so we’ll hope for a soft run on the markers. She has got enough speed if things panned out for her that she could get a bit of money.”