03 June 2019 | Shane Yates for Tasracing
The John Castles-trained filly Resolute Ruler caused a massive upset in the 60ty° Bandbox Prelude on Sunday night in Launceston.
The Betterthancheddar-High Flying Ruler three-year-old (pictured-inside) has only been placed twice in 17 career starts but pulled out the race of her life to greet the judge at odds of $144.20.
“She has always shown us something on the training track however with the exception of one or two runs she hasn’t been able to show it on race night, but she has tonight it was a great win in trying conditions,” said John.
“It was a tough run for all the fillies in the race and the week of recovery ahead is going to be all important when assessing how the $50,000 Bandbox Final will pan out.”
Resolute Ruler scored by the barest possible margin of a short half-head over the fast-finishing Todd Rattray-trained and driven Joogle ($46.30) with the Rohan Hadley filly Our Wonder Woman ($39.30) storming home from a mile back with Barrie Rattray’s drive Juniper ($54.) making up the first four.
“Rohan (Hillier) drove Resolute Ruler a treat, easing out of the early speed battle to grab the one-one trail and when the Ashwood runners made their moves at the 1200-metre mark he just held his ground and then was in a position to ease out three wide on the home corner,” said Castles.
“She worked into it strongly and when the leaders Spoilt Sport and Still Hungover started to show signs of distress Barrie (Rattray) shot clear on Juniper but she was able to wear her down and then was strong enough to just hold Joogle late, so I’m hoping she can repeat her performance in the Final next week.”
Sunny Sanz made light work of the Roberts Rural Supplies Globe Derby Prelude, sprinting form last at the home turn to have his rivals covered at the 200-metre mark and will go into next week final as a red hot favourite for Kent Rattray and John Walters.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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