Dixon’s quinella in Rising Sun Consolation

Leading harness racing trainer driver Grant Dixon was able to take out one two when his classy mare Ruby Rules (Ohoka Punter) hung on grimly to beat the more favoured Fire And Passion in the $50,000 Rising Sun Consolation at Albion Park late Thursday afternoon.

Grant drove Fire And Passion with wife Trista taking the steer on Ruby Rules.

Despite drawing the pole, Grant elected to take the sit behind when Ruby Rules drawn next to him worked to the lead with French Fries caught outside the leader.

RUBY RULES 2 JULY REPLAY

The New South Wales visitor Cynical was drawn the outside of the front row and driver Will Rixon was able to guide him one out and three back directly behind the well fancied Fernco Nel.

Once the field settled down it was always going to be a case of those back in the pack needing to do something extra special to win.

Trista Dixon upped the ante on Ruby Rules with a third quarter in 27 seconds as Cynical was making heavy weather three wide but still trying to make up ground. Fernco Nel waited back and then issued his run out wide. Meanwhile Fire And Passion was poised ready to take the inside run on straightening.

And with Ruby Rules shifting out under pressure Fire And Passion looked certain to sweep home. But the four year old mare showed great heart in holding out her stablemate by half a head with Xpress Party who had sat three back on the rails finishing another seven metres away in third. The winner rated 1.52.6 for the 2138 metre trip.

With that time the run of Cynical was full of merit as he was out wide for most of the final lap. Ruby Rules who is raced by Kevin Seymour has never had a great deal of luck in the age feature races although she won a Heat of the New South Wales before finishing fourth in the Final.

Although narrowly beaten Fire And Passion appeared to have every chance. He is the sole emergency for this Saturday night’s $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun but the Dixon stable will be represented by the classy four year olds Cool And Classy and Fate Awaits. Interestingly Fate Awaits won last season’s Rising Sun as a three year old and will have another chance this Saturday evening.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink