Fontein Ruby once again showed why she is a force to be reckoned with leading into the G1 VRC Oaks with another courageous winning effort in the G3 Caulfield Classic on Saturday.

After jumping from an outside barrier, Fontein Ruby was allowed to roll forward and settle just off the pace.  She was left in front approaching the home corner when front-runner Merion weakened but kept finding to defeat Lindsay Park colt Firehouse Rock.

Trainer Robert Smerdon reckons Fontein Ruby doesn’t have the pedigree to run much further than 1600m.  “A lot of Oaks winners haven’t been genuine stayers,” Smerdon said.  “But they get by on class.”

Winning jockey Mark Zahra doubted Fontein Ruby could run out a classic trip but loves her attitude.  “She’s a bit of a tart in the mornings but she puts a lot of aggression into her races.  That’s why she’s a good horse.”

Fontein Ruby will next line up in the G2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday week, November 1.  A start in the G1 VRC Oaks Stakes (2500m) beckons the following Thursday.

Her sire Turffontein is currently leading the Australian second-season premiership with earnings of $688,410.  He heads Hunter Valley stallions Manhattan Rain, Medaglia d’Oro, I Am Invincible and Denman.

Turffontein is standing for $7,700 (inc gst) this season at Blue Gum Farm.  The Euroa stud’s Group 1 stallion Elvstroem also sired a stakes winner on the weekend when Hucklebuck claimed the LR Durbridge Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide.

Hucklebuck will tackle the G3 Yallambee Stud Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on November 1 and, all going well, will back-up in the G1 Emirates Stakes on the last day of the carnival.

Elvstroem (Danehill) is standing for a $4,400 (inc gst) fee.