Sunrise Ruby wins Highway Handicap at Randwick and completes a big season for Mitch Beer

Less than a week after sealing the Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) premiership for the first time, Beer finished the season with a bang as Sunrise Ruby ($9.50) captured the $100,000 TAB Highway Handicap (1200m).

It was Beer's fourth Highway success since his move to Albury three years ago, and his second for the season.

Sunrise Ruby as aided by a top Glen Boss ride as she came from near last on the home turn to storm to victory by a neck, from Philipsburg ($8.00) and Mr Hussill ($2.80).

The win took Sunrise Ruby's record to four wins from five starts and Beer is confident this is only the beginning.

"We've won a few Highways now but we've more won them as a horse's grand final. They were horses that were in their right race, had been well-placed and that was their big one," Beer said.

"With this filly, it just backs up what we've thought. You can think and see all you want at home and compare her to everything previously but until they step away from home and prove themselves, it's only a thought.

"I've said it for the last month, she's as good a horse as I've ever had."

Sunrise Ruby has firmed into $26 for the $1.3 million Kosciuszko at Randwick in October and Beer confirmed that is the logical target.

But he won't be busting her to make a case to potential slot holders.

"I certainly won't push her," Beer said.

"In my opinion I think she's good enough to go to a Kosciuszko but I'm certainly not going to put her to the sword to prove that to other people.

"She's only young, she's very talented so I'll just train her for her and if that results in getting a slot, that results in getting a slot. "

Sunrise Ruby was bred and is raced by Susan Zeitz, along with other connections.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: