Group One Diamond Classic winner,RUBIRA, will have his final assessments today before his future progamme is confirmed.
The plan had been for him to spell for later features in the season but the rise in stakes for the Welcome Stakes on May 10 to $100,000 is one of several factors Nathan is considering before confirming the next move.
“A freshen up was a no-brainer after the Kindergarten and the Diamond but I can’t get over how he has come through two hard races,and of course two trips to Southland. Most two year olds we have sent south for even one of those races took some time to get over it and he has had to double up.
“We’ll take a blood off him and check him over but to the eye he seems to have actually thrived on the travelling”
The Welcome Stakes is a stable staple over the years. In earlier times Light and Sound Bogan Fella, and Advance Attack took it out and then Ohoka Arizona, Highview Tommy,Kotare Mach and Major Mark won four in sucession in is Group One era.
Then followed a remarkable nine in succession from 2013,Zacharia being followed by Alta Ronaldo,Waikiki Beach,Pacing Major, Spankem,Another Masterpiece, One Change, Cosmic Major and Don’t Stop Dreaming. Most went on to Group One successes and quinellas and even trifectas and First Fours backed up the 16 winners of the rac over the years.
Last year when the stake was $60,000 the Purdon spell on the race was broken when Bronson and Major Hot had to settle for third and fourth. Now its $110,000 and has regained Group 1 status Rubira might be looking for a repecharge on that.
Pic: Waikiki Beach-one of the many All Stars to shine in the Welcome Stakes