Trainer, Harry Fry, has an outing set for Rock On Ruby before he aims for defending his title in March
The third position of Rock On Ruby in the StanJames.com International Hurdle came as a shock for many and as a possible surprise for the connections who associated the failure to the lack of recent racing. His campaign debut about which the new trainer,
Harry Fry,positive about, did not deliver the desired. The race was won by the prior stable mate, Zarkandar, who was entered as the favourite by trainer, Paul Nicholls.
The seven-year-old, Rock On Ruby, was previously trained by, Paul Nicholls, and even the new trainer, Harry Fry, has stemmed from the same stable.
The winning trainer’s arch rival, Nicky Henderson, took the runner-up’s honours with the under charge, Grandouet.
The experience was a bitter sweet experience for the winning trainer who lost the other representative, Cristal Bonus, due to a fatal injury. Another element that might have impacted his emotions was the third place of the gelding who had been under his
supervision before.
Nicholls said: "I don't think he was himself last year, especially after he fell at Aintree and even two weeks before Wincanton (Elite Hurdle) I thought he'd have no chance of running well but he just suddenly picked up and was enjoying his schooling again.”
"There's never a shortage of jockeys if Ruby wants to pick Hurricane Fly but this horse will have reminded him of his ability and we're really looking forward to March."
The hopes of the new trainer did duck down, but he was quick to recover his faith in the ability of Oscar’s seven-year-old bay gelding.
However, Harry Fry now wants an in between warm-up race for the Champion Hurdler before he sets off to defend his title in March for a straight second year.
He does not want to repeat the mistake that caused his brand new stable the International Hurdle. The aid of a race before the grand spectacle will for sure enhance Rock On Ruby’s chances for securing the title. The third position at Cheltenham and another
outing will get him all set for the next challenge.
Harry Fry stated:
"Rock On Ruby 100% this morning, delighted with his first run of the season, plenty to build on. Another run before March more than likely."
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