Going into the $A300,000 Rising Sun against some smart four year olds was probably a no-brainer for Rubina after his Redcliffe win but there was another carrot dangled in front of his connections.
To help attract more three year olds in the race the club added a special bonus for those of that age -$A50,000 bonus if one wins the big stake and a $25,000 bonus for second.
RUBINA and OSCAR BONAVENA are poised for big efforts as the Brisbane Inter Dominion carnival goes to the next level at Albion Park on Saturday.
“I spoke to Mark just a few minutes ago and he was very happy with both horses” Nathan reported on Thursday.The pair had swapped countries following Rubina’s triumph in the Redcliffe Derby last Saturday.
“Oscar worked over ground on Monday as his main piece and continues to thrive.When I was over there his coat was terrific and he continues to do well.”
“Rubina worked over 2400 this morning and again Mark gave him a high pass ”
Punters have the Inter Dominion heat (9.13 pm) down to two; Oscar and the James Rattray-trained London to a Brick who holds sway over the betting at $2.10 with Oscar from a second row gate at $2.50.
However Mark and Nathan see a silver lining to the gate situation one Adam Sanderson is certain to explore.
“The favourite is usually in front or outside lead and will get out of the gate. We could end up getting a run through behind him and get our chance.”
Oscar sat in the one= one to win his Brisbane warmup at a more casual pace but his brilliance in a finish is well known and Adam seems to have to key to the champ avoiding the early mistakes which occasionally affect him.
Nathan feels the Rising Sun has come at a perfect time for Rubina the latest of a long run of top performers from a Kennard Syndicate.
“He has really come into himself. Both Adam and I were worried that Fate Awaits would be on our back and be a big threat at Redcliffe but we held him quite easily in the end. He is improved again,really thriving but we will need luck in the running to win against the older horses”
A kind gate is a help in that direction while a major threat looms from the four year old rising star The Janitor the ruling favourite and winner of 10 of his 16 starts.Dele Row,a stablemate of that runner with Chantal Turpin,is well backed while Rubira ($7) is the favourite among the three year olds ahead of Fate Awaits.
“He is adaptable and should have his chance from that gate.Its a different track and will be a different race but he is ready”
The stable has TREACHEROUS BABY engaged at Auckland tonight.
“She is going ok but the two drawn inside her will make it hard for her early.The final of the series is next week and she may get it easier there.She is up to them on ability any time but hasn’t quite closed off”