Rubick Soars Into Diamond Favourite

If Gerald Ryan had any nerves before Rubick’s debut at Randwick he wasn’t letting them show.

And after the much-hyped colt cruised to victory over 1000m in 56.39s the trainer said satisfaction not relief was his overriding emotion.

Bookmakers reacted a little more, firming Rubick into favouritism for both the Blue Diamond and the Golden Slipper ahead of the Blue Diamond Previews at Caulfield some hours later.

Rubick’s time was more than half a second faster than the time deposed Blue Diamond favourite Earthquake recorded for her Randwick debut in November.

“I would have been disappointed if he didn’t do it,” Ryan said.

“He is easy to watch and will improve on what he’s done today.

“This was only his fourth time through the gates – two jump-outs, a trial and a race.

“He’s got everything – attitude, action, ability.”

After the colt jumped cleanly, Brenton Avdulla positioned him outside the leader Pink Perfection ($16) but the $1.30 favourite dropped her at the top of the straight and lengthened stride.

Twirl ($20) gave chase but Avdulla gave Rubick a tap with the whip and the colt went on to win by 2-3/4 lengths, eased down.

Valentia ($19) was another four lengths third with the horse many expected to challenge the winner, Create ($6) eased out of the race.

Trainer Clarry Conners spent some time with the vets and Create after the race but nothing immediately came to light to explain her performance.

“He idled a bit in the straight and I heard Tommy Berry coming on the other horse,” Avdulla said.

“I gave him a tap to get him going and he just dropped the other one.

“But he’s gone 56.3 and I don’t know how much faster than that you could go.”

Ryan said the next step for Rubick was the Blue Diamond Prelude on February 8 at Caulfield, two weeks before the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).

“We will stick to the plan,” he said.

“There is no need to change it.”

The build-up to Rubick’s much-anticipated debut began when the well-bred colt won a barrier trial earlier this month by more then seven lengths.

Rubick is a son of Encosta De Lago out of Sliding Cube, a three-quarter sister to Redoute’s Choice.

His breeder Musaffir Yaseen retains a share with the colt’s other owners commentator David Raphael, long-time Ryan client Damion Flower and Neil Werrett, famous for his association with Black Caviar.

“Damion has always wanted to go to America, David loves Hong Kong and Neil wants to go back to Royal Ascot so there’s no danger this colt will be retired early,” Ryan said.

“But there’s a long way to go yet and it’s just good to see him do this on race day.”

– Racing Network

 

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