Ready Ruler
-photo by Coady Photography


Ready Ruler
-photo by Coady Photography


Ready Ruler
-photo by Darcy Hare/Coady Photography

Selma, Texas (September 5, 2004) - Vinery Stables' Ready Ruler ran a thoroughly professional race on his way to annexing the $100,000 Ketel One El Joven Stakes for two-year-olds at Retama Park on Saturday night - at least until he saw the photo finish lights. The son of More than Ready propped approaching those lights but was able to overcome his own antics and still win convincingly by one length over Malanato in 1:36.74 over a firm grass course.

Under jockey Jeremy Beasley, Ready Ruler raced wide on the first turn, settling into seventh place in the 12-horse field early. Meanwhile, Malanato set sail on a clear lead early, controlling the race and the pace through fractions of :23.70, :47.84, and 1:12.21. Dwight Polite and Regardlessly followed closest but never looked likely to overcome Malanato.

Ready Ruler commenced his bid around the final turn, advancing steadily on the outside. He passed one horse after another and stormed passed Malanato to the lead around midstretch. However, his advantage was threatened when he propped near the sixteenth pole at the sight of the photo finish cameras. Nevertheless, Ready Ruler held on for a length win over Malanato.

Reno Bob rallied from far back to take third place, another length behind Malanato and a neck ahead of Leaving On My Mind. It was another three-quarters of a length back to Regardlessly, who was followed under the wire by Dwight Polite, Justa Red Bird, Zone Stopper, Secret Woods, Thunder E. O. G., Ancestral Mine, and lukewarm favorite Major League, who never fired.

Trained by Tony Mathiasen, Ready Ruler earned $60,000 for his Ketel One El Joven triumph. Sent off as the 8-to-1 fifth choice, a $2 win ticket on Ready Ruler paid $18.00.