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Trainer Mike Reed will be looking to record his third consecutive win in Friday’s APG 2YO Fillies Sales Classic (1730m), when he has the talented Ruby Lou line up in the event.
Mike Reed, who won the race in 2022 and 2023 with Cabsav and Water Lou respectively, ensured he would have reprsentation in this year's $125,000 event when Ruby Lou won her heat eight days ago.
The Sweet Lou filly led all the way from barrier one in the heat in a time of 1:58.2.
Like Water Lou one year earlier, Ruby Lou heads into this week's event as a live chance and Reed said there was reason to be optimistic about her prospects.
"She came through the run last week well and her work was good this morning," Reed told The Trots WA.
"Everyone asks me to compare her to Water Lou and they are very similar.
"If I was to split them, I'd say Water Lou probably had more toughness and Ruby Lou probably has a bit more speed.
"Ruby Lou will only get better though and she will have a nice break after Friday."
Ruby Lou will have a tricky task from barrier five, while fellow heat winners Bull Shark Betty and Copper Head Lady will start from barrier eight and 10 respectively.
Reed said he hoped Ruby Lou would be in striking distance in the closing stages.
"She has got gate speed, but I'd be happy to follow somewhere one off the fence," he said.
"There should be enough speed on, so I'd be happy to come out quietly and let her use her speed late."
Meanwhile, Water Lou gets the opportunity to become the first filly since Double Expresso in 2020 to complete the 2YO and 3YO Sales Classic double.
Water Lou fought on gamely to finish second behind Copy Cat Queen last week, after sitting outside race leader More Sass.
The filly has drawn barrier 12 for the $50,000 event and Reed said he wasn't too concerned by the back row draw.
"It's not the end of the world for her," he said.
"I'd rather her draw there than barrier seven, eight or nine.
"Hopefully the speed is on early and she can have the last shot at them.
"I wouldn't swap her for any other horse in the race."
Reed said it was likely both Ruby Lou and Water Lou would be sent for a spell after Friday night, with the pair set to be aimed at feature races later this year.
The Henley Brook-based trainer said Lion Queen, who hasn't started since winning a heat of last year's APG 2YO Sales Classic, was back in work ahead of a return to racing in the coming months.
