3 minute read
Not even two weeks of troublesome travel from Melbourne could stop Mepunga Ruby showing all of her class last night in the Group Three Gold Cup at Albion Park. The $100,000 winners cheque adding to her ever building prize money total.
Jeff Britton prior to last nights emphatic win had spoken about how Mepunga Ruby was one for routine and familiarity and at times when routine is taken away from her that she tends to get worked up. Even when travelling to Sandown in her home state of Victoria Mepunga Ruby prefers a particular vehicile to travel in to the track.
The day of the heats seen Mepunga Ruby stranded an additional hour in travel to Brisbane as her crate was delayed at the airport. Thankfully for Jeff Britton his golden girl pulled up ok and provided a stellar performance in winning the heat prior to last nights final.
Britton had stipulated the week earlier that "I've always been happier to race in our home state because she can be a bit of a worrier when travelling''. He further added ''On the odd occasion when not in her regular vehicile she can come out blowing her head off''.
Mepunga Ruby showed last night she is a class stayer as she defeated a quality field leading all the way in a fast and dominant 41.93 for the 710 metre journey, beating kennelmate Korda by a length which made it a quinella for Britton in the race. The Group three win adding to Mepunga Ruby's resume which includes a Group One Fanta Bale Stayers Final.
Mepunga Ruby's recent month of form has been spectacular after a shock performance not qualifying for the Bold Trease final when running third as a $1.50 favourite. Her win last night taking her overall record to an impressive 46 starts for 24 wins and 14 minor placings. Her overall prizemoney total just shy of half a million at $451,805.
As long as Mepunga Ruby pulls up ok after last nights final she will appear in nine days time for the Group One Zoom Top at The Meadows. February 18 sees the heats of The Fanta Bale Stayers series which will see Mepunga Ruby attempt to defend the Group One race she one this time last year.
