After jumping from barrier 13 of 13, Fontein Ruby (pictured) was allowed to
roll forward and settle just off the leader Merion. Approaching the home
corner, Fontein Ruby was bumped by the weakening Merion and was left in front
with challenges fast approaching. Early in the straight the David Hayes trained colt Firehouse Rock challenged and headed Fontein Ruby but she showed her now customary fierce determination to succeed and fought back to win going away.
The only other filly in the race, Crafty, closed late to tip out Firehouse Rock for second.
Fontein Ruby will next line up in the Group Two Wakeful Stakes over 2000m at Flemington on Derby Day.
A start in the Group One Oaks Stakes over 2500 metres beckons the following Thursday.
Turffontein is currently leading the Australian Second Season Sires List with only 12 runners so far this season. He is currently in front of sires such as Medaglia d'Oro, I Am Invincible, Denman, Manhattan Rain, Wanted, Nicconi, Big Brown, All American, etc.
Turffontein is standing at a great value fee of $7,700 this season.
Turffontein wasn't the only Blue Gum Farm stallion to have stakes success over
the weekend. Elvstroem's ultra-consistent son Hucklebuck returned in fine form
first up at Morphettville to win the $80,000 Durbridge Stakes (1200m) in
dominant fashion.The winner of six of his 11 starts and more than $350,000 in prize money, Hucklebuck will next tackle the Group 3 $250,000 Yallambee Stud Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Derby Day.
His trainer, Philip Stokes, has indicated that if Hucklebuck won or ran very well on Derby Day, he would back the talented galloper up a week later in the Group One Emirates Stakes.
Elvstroem is standing at the very affordable fee of $4,400 this season.
News from Blue Gum Farm
