It is always nice to be proven right.
For some weeks now Nathan has held to the line that Rubira has taken another step in the second half of the season and gone on further from his Queensland Derby triumph.
On Friday night he proved the point. And a vintage drive from Dad Mark underscored the effort.
Appropriately enough he chose the race named after the great Lazarus to suggest Rubira is a worthy member of the top Purdon Racing three year old tradition.
Laz would have given a nod of approval for sure.
Rubira broke 2.20, not as easy over 1980 as the older 1950 was. Mile rate 1.53.5; last 800 54.3 last 400 26.4. No matter the praise some seemed to seek among the beaten brigade-good efforts though they were- this was scintillating pace even given the kind run Mark managed to map for him.
He used Rubira early to reach the front then allowed John Dunn assert the lead with Got the Chocolates a move that left warm favourite Marketplace parked for much of the race.
“It wasn’t because of that “ Mark said later “John’s horse is happiest running along and I knew it would cart us into the race. Rubira is better following a good pace than setting it”
Hop into trail and ease home strongly is Mark’s theme in the Lazarus on Friday
There wasn’t a lot in it and there is going to be some great three year old battles this spring but the significance of the result was that Rubira, in spite of being on a 7 day backup, was still only third favourite among the top three.
He may have earned a reassessment from the punters before the season is out just as he has from Nathan. Especially as he thrives on the racing.
It wasn’t such good news for Treacherous Baby in the following race. Again Mark gave the well backed mare a lovely trip but she was unable to capitalise in the run home while in Auckland the two year old Just Us Two raced green as Nathan expected but showed easy pace from back at the turn before the effort told late
Pic:”Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Hope to show you more soon”