Rue De Royale poised to strike in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington

Trainer Calvin McEvoy has Rue De Royale poised to strike in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

A low draw has enthused trainer Calvin McEvoy about Rue De Royale in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

The smart two-year-old colt has been luckless the past two starts, forced to drop back from wide gates and motor late.

“He’s got speed and unfortunately drawn poorly and that’s why we haven’t seen it, from barrier two I could see him sitting in the first four or six,” McEvoy said.

“His work early in the week was that of a decent horse and I expect him to be extremely hard to beat in what is an even race.”

McEvoy, who trains in partnership with father Tony, won the Flemington feature last year with then emerging stable star, Veight.

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“I’m not putting this horse in the same category, but they’re very similar,” McEvoy said.

“It would be nice to pick up a win in the Group 2 and I think he can.

“We were thinking whether we went down to a maiden and then (Group 1) Sires’ (Produce) in Sydney but Group 2 1400m Flemington on the doorstep is a good lead in point.

“Veight went up to Sydney and ran in the Sires, we’re going to try and follow a similar path, he (Rue De Royale) could be a Sires’ and Champagne horse.

“I definitely think he will be a (Caulfield) Guineas horse next prep and I expect him to be very hard to beat on Saturday.”

Veight won the Sires’ after a debut Pakenham maiden success.

Rue De Royale has a much stronger form line at the same stage.

The Per Incanto colt was second in the Inglis Millennium (1100m) two runs back before a luckless 10th in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) last start.

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Rue De Royale posted slick late sectionals in the Group 1 — wrecked by barrier 15 — including the second quickest last 600m/400m and third fastest last 200m.

“Unfortunately nothing took him into the race,” McEvoy said.

“He had to go back to last, we all saw the run.”

Rue De Royale showed above average ability late last year, when fourth on debut in the Listed Inglis Banner and second in the Golden Gift.

Despite going winless through four starts, savvy placement and good performances in rich races has helped Rue De Royale bank $592,500 prizemoney for connections.

The 15 other two-year-olds in the Sires’ Produce boast a combined $678,225 purse.

“This colt is extremely straightforward to do anything with,” McEvoy said.

“He’s professional, works well, has the qualities of a good horse and although he hasn’t won a race yet I think he is a good horse.”

Rue De Royale is a $5 second elect with TAB behind $2.25 favourite Stay Focused, who ran fifth in the Blue Diamond Stakes last start.

Originally published as Rue De Royale poised to strike in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington