Ex-Victorian The Ruffian launched the 2011 Darwin Cup Carnival with a four length victory in the $50,000 Darwin Guineas (1600m) at Fannie Bay on Saturday.

The Ruffian (3g Lonhro – Rose Of Danehill by Danehill) appreciated the fast pace set by Marseillaise and left them standing when Libby Hopwood let him loose in the straight.  There were no excuses for the beaten brigade headed by Baby Huey (Umatilla) and Sister Swank (Fusaichi Pegasus)

The winner was transferred to trainer Sheila Arnold shortly after winning the Albury Guineas for Lee Freedman in March.

The Ruffian had won on debut at Kyneton in March 2010 and he also earned black-type when placed in the G3 South Australian Sires’ Produce Stakes and LR McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The Darwin Guineas is the latest feature result for Lonhro this season.  The Darley champion has the 2010-11 Australian premiership all sewn up with just four crops racing!  He has sired 121 winners of 211 races and $8.20 million in earnings.

The Ruffian’s dam Rose Of Danehill was a G2 winner of the VRC Kewney Stakes and Edward Manifold Stakes and she is a half-sister to G1 MVRC William Reid Stakes winner Wrap Around (Bletchingly).