Heavy Randwick track to favour Rudy in Tramway Stakes

A heavy Randwick track will favour the chances of Queensland galloper Rudy in the Group 2 $175,000 Tattersalls Club Tramway Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.

Rudy will appreciate the heavy Randwick track in the Tramway Stakes. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Rudy will appreciate the heavy Randwick track in the Tramway Stakes. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Randwick was downgraded to a heavy 9 after almost 29mm of rain fell on the course on Thursday night but Rudy’s record of four wins from five starts on a heavy track will help his chances of causing an upset win.

Rudy has come in for some early support, firming in from $21 to $17 with Ladbrokes.com.au who have John Thompson’s First Seal the $4.20 favourite

“He likes it either way but hopefully it might slow up some of the opposition,” Rudy’s trainer Helen Page told AAP.

“It’s the toughest Tramway I’ve seen for a while but this is the race for him in the program we have to get to the Epsom.

“I think he’s come back well. We gave him a race up here and he did well under a big weight.

“It’s topped him off.

“So all in all I’m happy. He gets through the wet. He likes Randwick and his second-up record is good.”

Rudy has had success at Randwick in the past with a win in the 2014 Group 2 $175,000 Inglis Villiers (1600m) on a soft track.

The Red Dazzler five year old hasn’t visited the winner’s stall from six runs since but Page was happy with his first up effort when third with 58.5kg for Luke Dittman in a $65,000 Handicap over 1350m at Doomben a fortnight ago.

Brisbane jockey Luke Tarrant had been the regular rider for Rudy and was aboard for his Villiers win but Page had elected to go for a claiming apprentice at Doomben.

Rudy will have another change of rider on Saturday with Page opting for a Sydney rider and has gained the services of Kerrin McEvoy.

“We’ve been very happy with Luke’s rides on Rudy but we just went for a change,” Page said.

“Luke’s one of our best riders up here and he had ridden Rudy well.

“But if you can get a jockey like Kerrin McEvoy with his international experience then you go with him.”

Tramway Stakes market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4.20 First Seal, $6 Arabian Gold, $7.50 Messene, $8 Lucia Valentina, $10 Hauraki, $11 It’s Somewhat, Sweynesse, Flamingo Star, $15 Strawberry Boy, $17 Rudy, $21 Hooked, Ecuador, $26 Famous Seamus, $31 Protectionist, $31 Gypsy Diamond, Malice, $41 Kirramosa, Sense Of Occasion.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.