Helen Page confident Rudy can bring its best to Brisbane Cup

Rudy
Helen Page’s impressive gelding Rudy is primed for a bold showing in Saturday’s Brisbane Cup at Doomben. Picture: BradleyPhotos.

ULTRA consistent Queenslander Rudy will be aiming to go one better than his most recent start when he tackles Saturday’s Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) at Doomben.

The six-year-old gelding put in a terrific performance last week when finishing second to Single Gaze in the Group 2 PJ O’Shea Stakes (2200m), settling fourth in the five-horse field before working home strongly after finding bother in the home straight.

Trainer Helen Page told Horse Betting that she was very pleased with his effort last weekend, finishing just under one and a half lengths off the winner.

“I was very happy with his run last week – he lost his momentum during the most important part of the race when [Cylinder Beach] broke down, but he still managed to recover and he finished off well to run second which was a hard task – stayers don’t normally come back like that when they are carrying a big weight,” Page said.

A winner of eight from 47 with 13 minor placings, Rudy will meet Single Gaze once more this Saturday, however this time he will meet the mare 2.5 kilograms better than last weekend which is sure to play into his favour.

However, it is still set to be a tough task with a field of 14 lining up and Rudy drawn awkwardly out in barrier 12.

Despite the challenge that lies ahead, Page is optimistic her charge can play a part with the right run.

“This week’s race is over the same distance, but it is a bigger field and the wide barrier doesn’t help. A positive is that we have Hugh Bowman on-board – it is a big plus to have him taking the ride.

“I tend to leave the decision making up to the jockey on where to position during the run – but I am hoping that there is a bit more speed in this week’s race and that he can find a nice spot with cover – I wouldn’t mind seeing him midfield.

“With a few light weights in the race, hopefully one of them takes off and breaks the field up – a bit of speed in the race will help him.”

A $9.50 chance with Crownbet, Rudy comes into the event with great recent form – having had six starts this preparation including a third in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 20.

“He normally wouldn’t have this many runs – we don’t over race him – but he has been running so well and going so close every time that we have pushed on this preparation,” Page said.

“He is still racing well and feeling well so hopefully Saturday is the day for him.

“I am very happy with him – he is just such an honest and consistent horse and I think he deserves to win a race like this.”

A victory in Saturday’s Brisbane Cup will elevate Rudy’s career earnings above the $1 million mark – a milestone achievement for the son of Red Dazzler and Go On Now Go which has a cult following in his home state.

Page says the six-year-old holds a special place in her heart and for many racing enthusiasts as well.

“Everyone loves him – he is owned and bred in Queensland which makes him very special. He is by a Queensland sire out of a Queensland mare – his owners live at Chinchilla and they never put him through the sale ring.

“He is also special to me – I’ve had him since he was broken in so it has been amazing to watch him do everything from the start and achieve what he has throughout his career.”

The Group 2 Brisbane Cup is race nine at Doomben on Saturday and is scheduled to jump at 4.20pm.

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