Mat Rue has known David Harris ever since he was an aspiring driver growing up in Canowindra and that’s what made driving Max Is Back to victory at Dubbo on Sunday all the more special.
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Max Is Back, one of only a few trainer-driver Harris has in work, had been going close in his recent starts but Rue got him to go to the next level on Sunday in the TAB Encouragement Stakes (1720m).
The gelding led from start to finish to record career win number five from 58 starts.
“He (Harris) is good and I’ve known him for years and years from back in Canowindra so there’s lots of enjoyment getting wins for blokes like that,” Rue said.
“He’s only got a few horses as well so you know whenever you drive one for him he’s going to have them going well.”
The win was also satisfying for Rue because he sat in the gig of the six-year-old at Bathurst last Wednesday and just missed out on victory.
“He was unlucky not to win at Bathurst and unlucky not to have two winners in a week,” he said.
“But he was well-placed and the trainer did a really good job and then he drew well and I was able to lead and go on with it.”
Max Is Back ($2.40 favourite) got away well from gate three and immediately got to the lead.
Harris was in the gig of his other hope, McArdles Star ($10.20), and he settled in second early on but the Peter Gavin-trained The Only Child ($3.80) moved around the outside and as they hit the bell sat just off Rue and Max Is Back.
The Only Child continued to threaten but Rue was in total control and opted to go up a gear as they sat at the top of the bend for home.
From there the result was never really in doubt as Rue guided Max Is Back to a three metre win from the fast-finishing Dont Tell Errol ($2.90) while The Only Child had to settle for third.
The win was one of two for Rue at Dubbo, as he also drove the impressive The Rebel King to victory in the day’s feature, the Garrard’s Rio Meteor Series Final (1720m).
The win was an eye-catching one as The Rebel King ($2.20 favourite) used plenty of energy early when battling Ring Spanner ($2.70) for the lead but rather than fading late he just got stronger and went on to win by 17m.
It marked back-to-back victories for Rue and The Rebel King after winning at Dubbo a week earlier.
“I sat on him a week earlier there and couldn’t have been more impressed when he won there but still had a bit up his sleeve,” he said.
“He drew well inside and we were confident we could beat him (Ring Spanner) and I know it was a big thrill for the connections, they won a gig and they’re not easy to come by.”
The two victories made it 112 for the season for Rue, making it his best ever. The season ends on Wednesday.