Girl Power!

Mares Ruby Armani (pictured) and Soul Sista will be the two representatives for the New Zealand stable this weekend when the line up at Taupo and Hastings respectively.

Ruby Armani produced an encouraging effort in a fresh up state last month when running fourth over 1000m, with tomorrow’s distance of 1300m looking ideal for the daughter by inform sire Makfi.

“She had a long layoff and it was a great effort despite going straight to the races without any trials under her belt – she was always going to take plenty of improvement for the outing,” co-trainer Pam Gerard said.

“The Dead5 track should suit and the appointment of international rider Mark du Plessis can only help.”

Ruby Armani raced in top three-year-old company last preparation and will have to take on one of the upcoming three-year-olds of this season in Hall Of Fame.

Hawkes Bay will play host to Windsor Park Plate day and one of Ballymore’s senior members, Soul Sista, looks prime to produce a strong first up effort when she takes on a competitive Rating 65 field over 1400m, and will also have to overcome a horror barrier draw.

“We’re not too worried about the draw – we just hope she can slot in somewhere in the running with cover,” said Gerard.

“She can be a little fractious in between runners, so she won’t have that problem jumping from there.”

Soul Sista is winner of two races and the team are more than happy with her work leading into this preparation with a Cups campaign on the cards should she put her hand up over the coming weeks.