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By Tony Megahey

No stars at Monday’s Queanbeyan TAB meeting but Joe Cleary typically has numbered up in maidens, rarely misses on his home track and is confident enough combining throughout with his latest apprentice Ruby Haylock.

“Ruby’s on some nice chances in their right races, rode a gem to win for me with Pretty Vegas at Goulburn recently, horses travel for her,” Joe enthused.

“But just as importantly with our volumes now at home and Moruya, Ruby has a fantastic work ethic and family background with horses.”

A beaming Ruby Haylock after winning a race at Moruya. Image by Bradley Photographers

Ruby, who grew up around stock horses, eventing and breakers at Moruya has five rides for Joe on the seven-race program.

She is based at his alternate Moruya stables to accommodate career high numbers.

Previously Joe sent his Irish apprentice Ellen Hennessy on to city and provincial success after numerous winners on southern tracks.

On a day of three maiden races and as many BM 58 sprints with mostly capacity fields, the locals are the safest play. Joe and his Golden Slipper-winning father Frank of course are prolific premiership trainers.

“My best are likely early with Hurricane Coni and Hollow Dollar - nice types forward enough in suitable maidens without knowing a lot about the opposition.”

NZ-bred Hollow Dollar continues Joe’s long and productive association with Gerry Harvey and was formerly with Jason Coyle.

Hollow Dollar contests the race sponsored by Joe, the Cleary Racing Maiden Plate (1000m), vitally from barrier one and the 3kg claim for Ruby after contesting tougher races in the city and provincials for Coyle.

“Has run some decent races showing pace in a better grade. ‘Uncle’ Gerry sent him here to try and break through. He might have enough in his favour.”

However, the big watch in the race is Beauty Bound, significantly the only runner at the meeting from Annabel Neasham’s Warwick Farm stables. The Sebring three-year-old filly has trialled three times at home.

Cleary stablemates Hurricane Coni ridden by Josh Richards and Old Newmarket with Ruby resume in the Jerra Hotel Maiden Plate (1000m) vitally from the inside barriers at the tight circuit.

They offer home track and maiden placings at Wagga Wagga and Gundagai with first-up form.

At present Queanbeyan is rated a God 4 but in inclement weather.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Queanbeyan here