A Family Affair in Trevor Eagle Memorial Stakes

The closely related three-year-old fillies Ruby Armani and Starstripe (pictured) will face off in tomorrow’s Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial Stakes over 1500m.

Starstripe broke maiden ranks after a tidy performance at Te Rapa earlier in the month, while Ruby Armani went awfully close to maintaining an unbeaten record when receiving no luck at her last outing over 1200m at Rotorua.

Ruby Armani was a super impressive debut winner at Tauranga, after getting caught three-wide no cover throughout, and her second-up performance in a strong field vindicated her ability and looks a very strong chance in tomorrow’s Listed event.

“She’s clearly above average and she’s going into tomorrow in great order,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“The predicated rain won’t deter her and drawing nicely in barrier four should see her take a cosy position in the running. The quick step up to 1500m from 1200m may be the only concern.”

The well regarded Starstripe has drawn slightly awkward in barrier nine, although her blinding gate speed allows her to be put in the race and on terms with the front running pack.

“She’s taken plenty of improvement from her last outing and we think the step up to 1600m is going to be ideal,” Ormsby said.

“We have a lot of time for this filly and it would be great to see her get some black-type for the owners.”

Starstripe is out of the Melbourne stakes placed mare Our Tigress, who was trained by Ballymore, and is a half-sister to Ruby Armani.