Early ambitions for Rudy only went as far as a Saturday win. That mission was accomplished at his second start and he has hardly looked back since.
Bred by Dr Tom Clarke and his brothers Don and David who hail from Chinchilla in western Queensland, Rudy and fellow Queenslander Sir Moments go into Saturday’s Group Two Villiers Stakes as two of the leading contenders.
Rudy’s Gold Coast-based trainer Helen Page is happy with the condition of the horse and also the condition of the Randwick track which has received 43mm of rain this week to put it into the heavy category.
“He is a home bred and the owners sent him to me and thought it would be a great achievement if he could win a Saturday race,” Page said.
“He achieved that in his first preparation and has gone on with it.
“I haven’t brought a horse to Sydney for ten years. I don’t bring them down unless I think they can win.”
Doonan was the last horse she brought to Sydney and he lived up to his part of the deal by winning the $1 million Golden Rose.
Page moved to the Gold Coast with her husband John 18 years ago after a successful career in Sydney where, in 1980, she became just the second woman to be granted a trainer’s licence, joining the now-retired Betty Lane.
There was a long head between Rudy and Sir Moments who finished second and third respectively in a 1350-metre race at Doomben on November 1.
The Steve O’Dea-trained Sir Moments was an eye-catching fifth in the Festival Stakes on November 29, the same day Rudy won the Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben.
Sir Moments was the TAB’s $4.20 Villiers favourite on Friday with Rudy and Strawberry Boy on the next line at $6.
The Chris Waller-trained Strawberry Boy finished third in the Festival (1500m) won by his stablemate I’m Imposing who is a $9.50 chance in the Villiers.
Page has entrusted apprentice Luke Tarrant with the ride. It will be the 20-year-old’s first Randwick experience and his only ride on the program but with a handy lead in the Brisbane premiership, his confidence is high.
“Luke understands the horse and he won’t be overawed,” Page said.
Article from justhorseracing.com.au
