Matias Ruiz has had the pacer Shoot The Works for two years now, and he’ll be suiting him up for the richest potential payday during that period in Saturday night’s (November 6) finale of the Desmond Series at Cal-Expo.
Nobody in the race has been more impressive than Shoot The Works during the first two legs of the series. He changed tactics to come from last while overcoming an outside draw over a 'sloppy' track the first week, then made the winning move at the half last time before posting a romping, lifetime-best win in 1:54.1.
“I actually bought him out of a field and it’s just been a matter of keeping him feeling good,” owner/trainer Ruiz related. “It’s been a little up and down and he’s had has his problems, but he’s a nice horse and right now he’s close to 100 per cent sound.”
Ruiz admitted he was surprised Shoot The Works was able to come from so far back in the opening leg, but was confident going into last week’s assignment and wouldn’t trade places with anybody in this weekend’s final.
“He likes to race close to the pace, and when he was last at the half in that first race, I was thinking to myself I hope he at least gets a cheque,” Ruiz explained. “Luke did a great job with him that night and they came at the end to get it.
“Both of the Planos get along real well with this horse. Last week Rick moved at the right time and it was over. It didn’t hurt to have a much better post and a hard track, and after that mile I’d have to say he’s as good right now as he’s been since I’ve had him.”
For Saturday’s tour, Shoot The Works has landed the outside post in the field of seven with Rick doing the honours.
(Cal-Expo)