by Terry Neil (Bathurst HRC)
MAT Rue was more that happy with his double at Wednesday’s Group 1 Feeds Paceway (Bathurst) fixture but his mind was fixed on a more important engagement later in the week.
Mister Haywood produced a sharp sprint from the one-one to run away with the C2-C5 opener, for the Blayney Trainer Phil Bourke, and two races later Karloo Kix showed real bottom in working three-wide over the final stages for a gutsy win in the fast class, for Dubbo trainer, Barry Lew.
Rue took his season’s tally to 50 with the first leg of his double, and has now taken the first step towards converting that to a full century – a feat Amanda Turnbull accomplished in the final race, with two-year-old filly Art Series.
“I haven’t has as many outside drives this season as I’ve built my own team, so the winners have been fewer than in the past, but if I can finish this season with 75 or 80, I’ll be more than happy,” was his personal report card.
His team this season includes the very promising Callmequeenbee, a finalist in the hometown Gold Tiara, and subsequently a heat winner, semi-final placegetter and now finalist in Saturday’s night Australian Pacing Gold Fillies Final at Tabcorp Park Melton.
“We had to draw one or eight to have a place chance, realistically, in the race. We’ve drawn eight, so we’ll see how she goes,” Rue said.
“She’s been at John Caldow’s since the semi-final, and the Syndicate that races her will be heading down for the race – three of them made it down last week for the semi – and they’re all really excited to be in the race.”
Rue, whose career highlights include a Miracle Mile win with Baby Bling when he was part of the Luke McCarthy’s stable, has more recently become equally known as an accomplished trainer, and is offered horses by some high profile owners.
Callmequeenbee, though, is very much a Bathurst girl, purchased by a local syndicate from the Sydney APG Sale who are having the time of their lives.
If they win or place on Saturday Night, the cheers at Melton will be heard all the way back to Bathurst.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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