History repeats in Kindergarten Stakes

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Different year, same result was the name of the game in this year’s time honoured two year old harness racing feature the Group Two $60,000 Macca Lodge NZ Kindergarten Stakes at Wyndham today.

With Rubira’s (Always B Miki) gutsy win co-trainer Mark Purdon achieved his fourteenth Kindergarten. And today was driver Blair Orange’s sixth success in the juvenile feature. The win was a celebration for Rubira’s ownership group in particular Glenise and Phil Kennard and Gary and Keri Woodham who also had shares in the 2019 winner Flying Even Bettor, as well as in First Class which won in 2020. The Kennards also owned Pacing Major which won the 2016 edition.

In today’s race Rubira had to start from barrier seven and Orange stayed out of the early rush.

Rubira (7) leaving the gate at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“It got a bit tight early with a couple when they backed it up at the thousand. We got round on a soft tempo. It was a dash home from the 400 and luckily he was good enough to get over the top,” Orange said after the race.

Rubira (7) winning the Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

The winning margin was a neck from the race leader and favourite Ukraine (Captain Crunch) in second place. Always Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) finished three quarters of a length back in third.

“He was pretty lazy out there today which was pretty good. At his first start he got a little keen early but today he took it all in his stride. He’s a lovely racehorse.”

Rubira returning back to the birdcage after his Kindergarten Stakes win (Bruce Stewart Photo)

When warming up Rubira was having a good look around and ducked a few puddles in front of the stand.

Rubira warming up at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“He’s a bit of a character and has a few tricks, but racing will bring him right.”

Mark’s Kindergarten winning run began in 2002 with So Cool, whilst Orange’s first Kindie winner was Lennon trained by Purdon in 2003.

Rubira is expected to head to the G1 $110,000 Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic at Ascot Park on Sunday 21^st April.

“He’ll love the extra distance and even further.”

Phil Kennard purchased Rubira for $45,000 at the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Auckland. He’s out of the three win Bettor’s Delight mare Delightful Kas who’s a sister to Belle Of Montana.

The win in the Kindergarten was one of four today for the country’s leading reinsman. His other three winners were Bettor Be Watching for Hamish Hunter, Snap Shot for Des Baynes and Blithe for Lyndon Bond.