ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) Ruler's Court set a stakes record with an
overpowering 14-length victory in the $250,000 Norfolk for
2-year-olds at Santa Anita on Sunday.
The impressive win boosted Ruler's Court to the top of the
contenders list for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at the World
Thoroughbred Championships on Oct. 25.
Wearing blinkers for the first time and with Alex Solis aboard,
Ruler's Court left eight other colts in his wake as he covered the
1 1-16 miles in 1:41.27.
Trained by Eoin Harty for Darley Stud Management, Ruler's Court
has now won two of four starts. Coming into the race, Ruler's Court
was fourth in the Best Pal Stakes in August and third in the
Hollywood Juvenile in July.
``I was hoping he'd run well, kind of redeem himself because
I've always had a lot of faith in the horse,'' said Harty. ``The
further I trained him the more aggressive he got and I told Alex in
the paddock, if he's good enough, I can guarantee he won't get
tired and he'll be right there at the end for you.''
As for the BC Juvenile, Harty said ``Bring 'em on.''
Ruler's Court paid $11.80, $7.20 and $5. Capitano was second and
returned $10.60 and $6.80. Perfect Moon paid $4.60 to show.
Siphonizer, the favorite, was fourth, followed by Consecrate,
Mambo Train, Lucky Pulpit and Coldntight.
``He ran like a wild horse, that guy,'' said Capitano's trainer
Ray Bell. ``I think theyre all going to have to contend with Eoins
horse now.''
Avanzado captured the $156,625 Ancient Title Handicap, a prep
for the Breeders' Cup Sprint, covering six furlongs in 1:08.12 to
win by 1{ lengths. Avanzado paid $19.60, $6.40 and $3.80. Captain
Squire was second and paid $3.40 and $2.80. Bluesthestandard
returned $3.40 to show.
Designed for Luck ran the second fastest Oak Tree Mile in 16
runnings, covering the mile on grass in 1:32.61 to win the BC Mile
prep by a half length over Sarafan. Century City was third.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)