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Ruby ready for return

Rock On RubyRock On Ruby
© Photo Healy Racing

Harry Fry reports Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby to be ready to make a belated seasonal reappearance back at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The rookie trainer scrapped plans to give his stable star his first run of the campaign in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle two weeks ago because the ground was too soft.

Fry is adamant the decision to re-route has made no difference as the prime objective is to defend his crown in March.

The StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday is the obvious new starting point.

"He's in great order, we've ticked him over since the Fighting Fifth. We couldn't be happier with him and looking forward to running him," the Dorset handler told At The Races.

"His whole season revolves round March, when hopefully he defends his crown, so the programme before Christmas is open to interruptions from the weather.

"Although the Fighting Fifth was definitely plan A, and then a run in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day, we always had it in the back of our minds there was a possibility Newcastle might come up too soft or be frozen off.

"It didn't affect him too much, we kept him going nicely and he's ready to rock and roll now.

"There are three quality horses and, on the weights, Zarkandar has the advantage if you take it literally. He's 2lb lower than us in the ratings yet he gets a 4lb pull.

"It's going to be a tactical affair. I shouldn't think there would be masses of pace.

"He's fit and ready and the best horse will win on the day."

Rock On Ruby was officially in the care of Paul Nicholls last season, although he was supervised by Fry.

Nicholls runs Zarkandar, who delighted connections when giving stablemate Prospect Wells 17lb and a neck beating in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on his return five weeks ago.

The Ditcheat handler says the 2011 Triumph Hurdle winner appears to have benefited greatly from the outing.

"I'm really pleased with him, he's sparkling. He's improved from the first run. We've kept him nice and fresh because obviously he surprised us that he won the first day," he said.

"He goes well fresh, there are some good horses in the race. I know that Harry (Fry) has got Rock On Ruby in top form, so it will be interesting, but we're looking forward to it."