There were a few nervous moments for the punters and followers of Mitch Freedman’s but Ruggiero’s class prevailed at Donald on Sunday.
Returning a gelding this preparation, Ruggiero caught the eye of many on at Warracknabeal, narrowly beaten by Valiancy, who was sent around at $1.40 and had city class form. Improving with fitness and stepping out in distance, the 4yo&up maiden at Donald looked to be the perfect race.
Ruggiero was settled in the second half off the field and as the tempo came out of the race, found himself in an awkward position towards the rear of the field. Upon straightening, Ruggiero had a wall of horses to get past, but a calm steer by Tahlia Hope navigated a path and his will to win has to be seen to be believed.
After ducking and weaving throughout the straight, Tahlia Hope commented post race “the horse was really there when I needed him” as he stretched for a narrow 0.2length victory.
A relieved Mitch Freedman laughed post-race he too was “sharing the nerves of the punters” but was proud of the way his horse found the line. “He was a $10,000 yearling purchase that has taken his time to furnish, always showing good ability and its pleasing to see him put it all together.”
