Trainer Adam Ruggari (left). Photo by Club Menangle
Swayers Gully trainer Adam Ruggari knows what it takes to win a TAB Regional Championships final having won the 2022 Listed Classic with Xerri family-owned Far Out Bro which led throughout in the $100,000 event when driven by Jack Callaghan.
Tonight at Newcastle, Ruggari will be hoping he can add another Championship trophy to his cabinet with consistent four-year-old Cool Night.
The gelding qualified for Hunter region’s final after finishing second behind Little Demon in his heat a fortnight ago.
On that occasion he was sent out as an odds-on favourite despite drawing wide in gate eight and had the services of Jack Callaghan.
Although he was unable to hold off a late challenge by Little Demon who had enjoyed a soft run on his back, Cool Night would have lost no admirers as his effort was strong after working hard in the early stages of the 2030 metre trip.
“Initially, we were a little disappointed with his run,” said Adam.
“But after going back and watching the replay, I realised that he travelled three-wide for the greater part of the first lap and he then had to work hard to find the top.
“Thankfully he held on well for second and done a grand job to qualify which was our main mission.
“He has been training the house down at home this week, so I expect him to run a huge race tonight from gate six.
“Jack had a few choices for the final, but he has stuck with our fella which is a massive plus and proves that he has a healthy respect for our horse.
“It goes without saying that Jack is one of the best drivers in the country, and it would be pretty cool if we could combine again to win another feature.”
On paper, the Hunter final appears to be the more even of the four regional finals, strengthened by the running of four qualifying heats.
Mondello Beach, Rock Fisherman and Sally Bigtime each staked their claim with impressive heat wins but there is a raft of inform horses in the final which makes for an enthralling contest.
On Wednesday night at Bathurst, the father and son combination of Nathan and Jett Turnbull took out the Western Final with Glitter Aint Gold in a one-act affair when he scored by 18 metres.
