A day earlier than Brittany Russell is scheduled to endure a cesarean part to ship her second youngster, her ever bettering trainee Wondrwherecraigis skipped to a gate-to-wire triumph in the Oct. 31 $200,000 Bold Ruler Handicap (G3) at Belmont Park. The gelding’s effort awarded Russell her first profession graded stakes victory, including to her 12 stakes wins she had already compiled this yr.
The Daring Ruler was additionally the primary official graded stakes tally for Wondrwherecraigis, who final day out crossed the wire first within the Sept. 18 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Sprint Stakes (G3) at Laurel Park solely to be positioned second for interfering with Jalen Journey during the stretch run.
Away because the second alternative within the subject of seven within the Daring Ruler, the Munnings 4-year-old broke on top and skirted to the front under jockey Luis Saez, leading the field through an opening quarter-mile in :23.78 and a half mile in :46.95. Wondrwherecraigis maintained the edge out of the turn with Continuation in close pursuit. At the top of the lane, Saez kept his charge to task and he responded willingly, clearing his rivals by 2 1/4 lengths under the wire. Wondrwherecraigis paid $6.40 on a $2 win ticket.
Owned by Michael Dubb, The Elkstone Group, Madaket Stables, and Michael Caruso, Wondrwherecraigis completed the seven furlongs in a final time of 1:23.31 over a sloppy, sealed track. Continuation was second over favored Plainsman , who bobbled at the break and was forced to steady around the bend.
“That was awesome and a great redemption from the DQ in Maryland,” said Russell, who watched the race from her Maryland home base. “I’m home resting in preparation for tomorrow. It picked our heads up knowing we’re going to have a new baby tomorrow. The whole team deserved it and he (Wondrwherecraigis) deserved it.
A day earlier than our 2nd child arrives and Wondrwherecraigis and @luissaezpty give @MrsRussell26 her first graded stake @TheNYRA. 🏆 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/hqN7Im6VnB
— Sheldon Russell (@SheldonRussell1) October 31, 2021
“The seven furlongs was a query, nevertheless it’s good to search out out he can do it. Luis did an attractive job.
“It was a gut-wrenching feeling to have the De Francis pulled up from below us in Maryland as that is our house base, however we’re making an attempt to make a mark in New York, too. So, this can be a huge deal and it is an excellent group of homeowners. Mike Dubb was there in the present day, and the entire thing has been wonderful.”
Russell stated the upcoming Dec. 4 $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct Racetrack may show to be a bit too far for Wondrwherecraigis.
“I do not know that we’ll attempt to mile him. I feel we’ll get pleasure from in the present day and have a look at the schedule to see what’s subsequent,” Russell stated. “I anticipate we’ll keep across the six to seven (furlongs) mark. We’ll simply see how he comes again and make a plan.”
Additionally a winner within the Aug. 13 Story of the Cat Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, Wondrwherecraigis upped his earnings to $347,640 after the Daring Ruler. His report stands at 6-1-1 in 10 begins. He was bought for $67,000 by Timber Stables out of the Taylor Made Gross sales Company consignment to the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Entered in Keeneland’s 2020 June On-line Choose Horses of Racing Age Sale after successful his first two begins, he was a $210,000 RNA.
Wondrwherecraigis was bred in Kentucky by Fleur de Lis Stables. He is the primary of 4 foals produced from the Big’s Causeway mare Social Murderer, who has an unraced 2-year-old Super Saver colt, a yearling filly by Mineshaft , and foaled a filly by Take Charge Indy this year. Social Assassin was bred to Improbable for 2022.
Video: Bold Ruler H. (G3)
