Better ground could help Rock On Ruby beat Hurricane Fly in Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown
According to the current card, fourteen horses are scheduled to enter the Grade 1, Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday, April 26th. There are so many super talented horses in the line-up, but the real competition will be between
Hurricane Fly and Rock On Ruby.
The latter’s trainer, Harry Fry feels that if the ground is helpful, his horse will easily be able to defeat the big rival. The connections are wishing for a hospitable weather, as a relatively harder surface would be a huge plus for the 8-year-old. The
Festival Goers-owned was second to Hurricane Fly in the Grade 1, Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham last month.
The Harry Fry-trained, in the hands of Noel Fehily, missed the crown only by two and a half lengths. He led and raced keenly in the beginning, but could not maintain the standards all the way through. Although the 11-2 chance tried his belt, he completely
failed to make any impression on Hurricane Fly, who easily captured the first prize.
The bookmakers are anticipating a similar outcome. But Rock On Ruby’s camp is determined to change the scenario. The handler insisted that in case of better surface, his charge will be having a wonderful chance. He stated:
"It's all systems go for Punchestown and I know Noel [Fehily] cannot wait to take on Hurricane Fly again on better ground. At Cheltenham he went hard and fast but because of the ground and the need to get home, Noel had to give him a breather at the top
of the hill.”
“On better ground he could have kicked from the top of the hill sooner, but he had to fill his lungs up. It's fine margins. Noel executed the tactics to perfection at Cheltenham and better ground will suit us at Punchestown. Rock on Ruby doesn't have a tactical
turn of foot.”
The John O'Dwyer-bred so far has seven victories to his credit. He was last seen on the winning podium at Doncaster in February. In the 32Red Hurdle (Listed Race), he defeated the 5-1, Countrywide Flame, by three lengths.
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