The Clark Handicap – A massive race for Ruler on Ice which could hand him the 3-year-old championship
If the Belmont Stakes winning 3-year-old gelding, Ruler on Ice goes on to win his next start which is the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs on 25 November, 2011, then he would certainly convert his credentials to make the concerned people think twice
over the 3-year-old championships.
Caleb’s Posse could be the first choice, but if Ruler on Ice can bag the 25 November, Churchill Downs feature after landing the Belmont Stakes and more than satisfying Breeders’ Cup Classic, that would certainly give the selectors a little bit of pause.
George and Lori Hall’s Kentucky bred 3-year-old Ruler on Ice is coming off a third place finish in the behind Game on Dude second, and the winner Drosselmeyer over at Churchill Downs at about 1 ¼ miles under jockey Garrett Gomez on 5 November, 2011.
Kelly Breen trained Ruler on Ice has been there and thereabouts in his racing endeavours after an emphatic win in the Belmont Stakes.
Right after the biggest triumph of his racing career, Ruler on Ice finished third behind Coil and Shackleford over at 1 1/8 miles in the Grade Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on 31 July.
The son of Roman Ruler, out of mare Champagne Glow by Saratoga Six, Ruler on Ice finished off the board in his next start in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes where he finished 4th to winner Stay Thirsty and runner up Rattlesnake Bridge over at 1 ¼ miles
on 27 August at Saratoga.
Ruler on Ice rectified immediately when he finished second to To Honor and Serve in the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing race course on 24 September over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Overall Ruler on Ice needs a lucky break and convert those second and third place finishes in to straight up wins, and he has been presented by that opportunity in front of an accomplished caste in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap.
He will be up against the defending champion Giant Oak and the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Flat Out. If he goes on to defeat all of them then he has a strong case and will definitely be in the discussion for the 3-year-old championship.
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