Multiple stakes winner Alwaysmining got trainer Kelly Rubley’s season off to a strong start, and she’s poised to close the year with another promising prospect in undefeated filly Arrifana.
Rubley was also pleased with the latest effort from Iowa Derby winner Top Line Growth, The Elkstone Group’s Maryland homebred that cruised to a 3 ¾-length optional claiming allowance score Sept. 27, also with Pimentel aboard.
A gelded sophomore son of Tapizar, Top Line Growth improved to 3-0 lifetime at Laurel. Following the July 5 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows, he ran fourth in the West Virginia Derby (G3) and third in the Smarty Jones (G3).
“He came out of his race great, so we’re very happy with him,” Rubley said. “He’s been running against some pretty serious competition, so it was nice to get him out there and have him be the best. We’ve also liked him right along, and he continues to mature. I think [he and Arrifana] are both big, solid horses and they’re going to be even better as 4-year-olds.”
