Rue De Royale seems poised to make a significant move towards the prestigious Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) following an impressive runner-up performance behind Fully Lit in the Inglis Millennium (1100m).
Initially contemplating a Sydney campaign after the weekend's notable exploits, co-trainer Calvin McEvoy revealed a reconsideration, firmly placing the $2 million Melbourne feature as a prominent consideration.
In an interview with Racing.com, McEvoy expressed his temptation to enter Rue De Royale in the Blue Diamond, acknowledging the formidable challenge of the Millennium, particularly when facing well-conditioned horses from Gai Waterhouse's stable. McEvoy provided insights into Rue De Royale's current status, stating, “He's at home, he's back in Ballarat, and there are a couple of options with him.”
Exploring the potential race calendar for Rue De Royale, McEvoy outlined two enticing possibilities, stating, “He can go a month between runs into the Todman in Sydney and focus on the Slipper, or we go two weeks into the Diamond and think about the Slipper after that. That is what we're leaning towards at the moment.”
This thoughtful analysis by the co-trainer provides a glimpse into the strategic considerations surrounding Rue De Royale's future races, as the team contemplates the optimal path towards achieving success in the highly competitive realm of horse racing.