QTIS Jewel Day at Doomben presents a lucrative opportunity to snap up a half-million race away from Sydney and Melbourne, while keeping an eye on even bigger prizes later on.
It is with a keen instinct that Bjorn Baker has sent debut winner Rupert’s House back to Brisbane overnight for a start in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel (1200m) for two-year-olds on Saturday.
Originally purchased for $32,000 at the Magic Millions Weanling Sale in 2021, the gelding by Winning Rupert was sold again at the 2022 Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $180,000.
Rupert’s House won his first start at Doomben over 1110-metres on February 11.
Following the same timeline of sending the horse to Brisbane overnight on Thursday, Baker is realistic of the task ahead, but drawing barrier three in the full field of 16 will be key to their chances.
“It’s crucial,” Baker said of the gate and its importance for juveniles.
“He’s had a trial between runs, we were happy with his trial and his work on Tuesday was good.”
“We will follow the same routine as last time going up to Brisbane when he won first-up, which was a phenomenal performance after covering ground.”
Leading Brisbane metro jockey James Orman retains the ride.
“The 1200 will suit him better and a good gate is crucial,” Baker added.
“No doubt he’s going to have a much better run in-transit than he did first-up and I think he’s going to run a good 1200, and the race suits.”
Firming from $7 into $6 on Friday morning, Rupert’s House is joined on the third line of betting by the Helen Page-trained Trifling.
The in-form O’Dea and Hoysted training team have fellow debut winner Shot Of Whiskey in the field at $5.50 with Mishani Royale – a winner of three in four starts – the $3.60 favourite.
A tilt at The Championships where Rupert’s House holds a nomination for the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) or a reappearance during the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival are possibilities but Baker is mindful of the two-year-old needing a break.
As for choosing to run in Brisbane rather than chase back-type closer to home right now, it is very much about this event being in the right place at the right time.
“It has worked out really well, Baker said.
“It’s a big money race and you’ve got to be in it to win it.”
“We’re very happy with him and he has a lot of Brisbane owners so I’m sure they’ll enjoy the day win, lose or draw.”
In a career spanning only six starts, sire Winning Rupert won twice at Doomben including victory in the Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m) in 2016.
