Proving that her 29-1 upset in Cal-Expo's October 1 Open was no fluke, distaffer Red Star Ruffles came right back last week to prevail at 6-1 in the top dance for the pacing fillies and mares.
The six-year-old daughter of Rustler Hanover is owned and trained by Robley Johnson and has been nicely handled by Sue Boyce in both of those victories. Boyce is the first to admit her companion has benefited from circumstances on both occasions. The favoured Haggin Oaks made a break while seemingly on the way victory two back, then gave her a nice lead up, second-over trip in their most recent clash.
“I have to pick on someone,” Boyce joked when asked about upsetting the odds-on Haggin Oaks in back-to-back Opens. “It’s like the stock market, you get the 52-week high and then hope it holds. We got the perfect trip last time and it worked out.”
Boyce handled Red Star Ruffles earlier in the year, and since being re-united with Johnson’s mare has recorded a second at 22-1, a victory at 29-1 and the most recent score at $14 and change.
“I enjoyed driving her last spring, because she always tries hard. It just seems like we’re really clicking now.”
Boyce also has plenty of praise for Red Star Ruffles’ conditioner.
“Robley is a very intense trainer, and he works very hard at getting the very best from his horses by making adjustments. He has an all-mare barn because he works well with them.”
That’s certainly been the case of late with Red Star Ruffles, who is going in razor sharp form at the moment. She should get a bit more respect at the windows this time around, while Haggin Oaks is looking for some major revenge.
The latter looked very sharp finishing up September with a pair of victories in this rarified air for James Kennedy, was unlucky with that stretch miscue two back when she appeared to jump an object on the track, then did the first-over work last time and could not match Red Star Ruffles when push came to shove.
Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday, October 14 and will continue through Saturday, October 16. First-race post time on Thursday and Friday is at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). Approximate first-race post time on Saturday is 5:45 p.m.
On Saturdays, Cal-Expo will offer a reduced 15 per cent takeout rate on both the Early and Late Pick-4 wagers with both Pick-4s now having a $10,000 gross guaranteed pool.
(Cal-Expo)