Jockey Peter Mertens rates Flying Ruby as a genuine stakes-class mare despite the four-year-old not yet having a full understanding about how to race.Flying Ruby made it five wins from 13 starts and remained unbeaten in three runs this campaign when she landed Saturday's Swell Time Handicap (1600m) at Sandown.With only six other runners to contend with she was second last early before unleashing her customary strong home straight finish to score by three-quarters of a length from Soft Sell with
Jockey Peter Mertens rates Flying Ruby as a genuine stakes-class mare despite the four-year-old not yet having a full understanding about how to race.
Flying Ruby made it five wins from 13 starts and remained unbeaten in three runs this campaign when she landed Saturday's Swell Time Handicap (1600m) at Sandown.
With only six other runners to contend with she was second last early before unleashing her customary strong home straight finish to score by three-quarters of a length from Soft Sell with Justsay Sumthink a short neck away third.
Mertens has ridden Flying Ruby at her last three runs which also featured last-to-first victories at Kyneton and Flemington.
"I can easily see her in Listed or Group company," Mertens said.
"She is still learning and doing a few things wrong but I like her.
"She is still a bit keen and trying to get into the race too quickly and when she gathered them in so fast today she had a good look around."
Trainer John Moloney was mindful that Flying Ruby had only won restricted races this campaign but is excited about her prospects.
"I am hoping she can get to higher levels," Moloney said.
"They were only 0-82 mares' grade races last start and today but she is winning well and looking good so we will give her a chance in stronger class, maybe in Melbourne in the autumn.
"She has matured, got stronger and trained on to a better horse so we may just give her a short break now and get ready for next year."