RUBICK fillies RUBINOCCHI and RED RUBI combined for a Proven Thoroughbreds interstate double on Sunday.
RUBINOCCHI, trained by Joe Pride, drew first blood with a tenacious performance over 1000m at Gosford.
In contrast to her previous start at Randwick, the 2YO filly was able to lead and dictate to her rivals.
She was there to be beaten in the home straight but kicked strongly to repel the challenge of race favourite CONGLOMERATE and win by 1.5 lengths.
“I rode her to her strengths and she was just too strong,” winning rider Jay Ford said.
“I just cuddled her around the bend and into the straight. When challenged, she fought off the second horse and started to pull away.”
In just four career starts RUBINOCCHI has won twice and comfortably recouped her purchase price of $45k.
She is an Inglis Classic graduate who reminds Joe of BROOK MAGIC, a stakes-placed sprinter formerly raced by Proven.
Not long after RUBINOCCHI’s win, the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained RED RUBI stepped out as favourite in the 1000m Class 1 Handicap at the Sunshine Coast.
Despite easing in the market, the 3YO emerged a dominant 2.75-length victor.
Being first-up since winning at Doomben in February, RED RUBI has a good deal of improvement to come this preparation.
She was another bargain priced yearling, secured for $35k at the 2019 Magic Millions January Sale, and has since rocketed in value, with her half-brother and stablemate SCALLOPINI winning multiple stakes races.
Sunday’s double elevated Proven’s tally of winners to 59 for the season and 32 for the calendar year.