Gold Coast-based trainer Helen Page is hoping her veteran galloper Rudy can secure a wild card entry into January’s 2018 Magic Millions Trophy at his home track.
Gold Coast galloper Rudy returns to racing in the Recognition Stakes 2017 at Doomben Racecourse this weekend. Photo: Daniel Costello.
The now seven-year-old son of Red Dazzler is not a Magic Millions graduate, so is not automatically qualified for a shot at the Restricted $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) at the Gold Coast in mid-January.
The lucrative summer racing feature could still be a potential early New Year target for Page’s $1 million earner however with a wild card entry on offer to the winner of the $100,000 Shoot Out Quality (2200m) at Doomben on December 30.
Rudy hasn’t raced since June 24 at Doomben when carrying a hefty 59.5kg to victory in the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2200) during the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
That followed a number of good lead-up performances including a brave third to Sense Of Occasion as a $26 outsider in the Group 1 $650,000 Doomben Cup (2000m) run in the mud.
The gelding has enjoyed back-to-back recent Gold Coast trial wins over 1000m, the latest by nearly three lengths on November 13, leading-up to his return this Saturday at Doomben.
“He won them both in good style and in particular the second one,” Page told AAP speaking of Rudy’s trials.
“He has been so good for us and won at least one race every season. Let’s hope he can keep it going.”
Page saddles Rudy up in the Listed $100,000 Recognition Stakes (1350m), a tough assignment for the horse who carries 60kg in the handicap clash.
Recognition Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au is dominated by the rails-drawn Crack Me Up ($2.70), the Liam Birchley-trained Mossman four-year-old coming off a first-up second over 1200m at the track on November 11.
The reigning Sunshine Coast Guineas winner had 63kg on his back that day, so is tipped to fly coming right back to the 54kg minimum on Saturday.
Rudy meanwhile has the top weight following the early withdrawal of Beauty Flame (61kg) and is rated a $13 hope to win first-up at career start number 50.
“All those races [he was competitive in over the winter] were at Doomben and he does like the track. It is a hard race on Saturday and he should race well,” Page said.
To back Rudy on the weekend at the right Brisbane racing odds, and for early access to the upcoming Magic Millions Race Day betting online head to Ladbrokes.com.au.
