By Matt Markham
As a dam, she’s already considered as being highly successful, but the real calling for Rob The Nest may just come as a grand-dam if this year’s Four-Year-Old Ruby at next week’s Harness Jewels is anything to go by.
The dam of super trotters, Sonofthedon and Thedonson, will have three of her descendants contesting the $100,000 4YO Ruby at next weekend’s Harness Jewels meeting in Ashburton.
Eagle Galleon, Wilma’s Mate and Ruby leader, Temporale will all line up on June 3 and will do so as cousins with all three coming from half-sisters who all hail from Rob The Nest.
Former Harness Racing New Zealand chairman, Gary Allen, who bred Wilma’s Mate’s dam, Mybrotherwasastar and Eagle Galleon’s dam, Galleon’s Assault and also raced Rob The Nest was particularly proud of the achievement.
“For three half-sisters to all have a runner in the Jewels is quite an effort,” Allen said.
“It’s been a wonderful family for a long time.”
Neil Munro, who raced Rob The Nest with Allen, bred Whosinthenest who is the dam of Rowe Cup winner Temporale.
For Allen, Jewels Day and the 4YO Ruby will bring dual roles.
For the first time he will be able to enjoy the day as a racing enthusiast away from the shackles of being a required for a dignitary role as part of the HRNZ board.
There as a breeder, Allen is also in as an owner with Eagle Galleon.
The Robert Wilson trained four-year-old began the season as a maiden but will find himself next week taking on horses who have won multiple Group One races in their careers.
“It’s very exciting to have him there,” Allen said.
“In the last month or so, he has very much matured as a racehorse, we never probably thought he would be a chance of making it to be honest.
“But he’s got better each time he’s stepped out and it’s going to be very exciting to have him a part of the day.”
Dexter Dunn has been booked to drive the horse but Allen was being very realistic about his chances.
“I think it would be a pipedream to think that we could win it, but if he’s running on at the finish I will be over the moon.”
Eagle Galleon is a $101 chance in the Ruby while cousins Temporale ($5.20) and Wilma’s Mate ($3.90) are much more favoured.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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