Ruby Armani’s Stakes Bid Hinges on Weather

Connections of quality racemare Ruby Armani (pictured) will be hoping the weather doesn’t place a dampener on the chances of her taking place in Saturday’s Group 3 Rich Hill Breeders Stakes at Hawera on Saturday over 1400m.

The four-year-old daughter of Makfi was impressive when winning second up at Taupo and the thoughts of rider Mark du Plessis has convinced the team to have a crack at black-type.

“She’s come through her last run really well, and improved a lot, which she’ll have to be when she takes on a Group class fillies and mares,” co-trainer Pam Gerard said.

“Mark was confident that she could go down and be competitive, and his backed that up by following her down, so we are hoping the track doesn’t get any worse.”

The team believes the slow9 rating is right on the cusp of what Ruby Armani can handle and is unlikely to take part on a Heavy11 surface if it comes down to it.

“She ran against some of the country’s best three-year-old’s last season and held her own, so she’s now stranger to big stage.”