Roman Ruler works

Roman Ruler posted his last win in the Norfolk (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

Multiple Grade 2 winner ROMAN RULER (Fusaichi Pegasus) worked one mile out of
the gate under Gary Stevens at Santa Anita on Wednesday. The colt probably will
make his three-year-old debut in the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe S. (G2) on March 19
rather than the one-mile Gotham S. (G3) at Aqueduct on the same day, according
to trainer Bob Baffert.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever done that,” Baffert said, regarding the
one-mile gate drill which he clocked in 1:38 3/5, with a gallop out time of 1:51
and change.

Roman Ruler worked in company with Preachinatthebar (Silver Charm). The
workout took place around 10:15 a.m. (PST), after normal training hours.

“I had to go with my gut feeling and he needed something like this,” Baffert
said. “I like what I saw and I think he can forward from here.”

Roman Ruler has not started since finishing fifth as the 2-1 favorite in the
October 30 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Lone Star Park. He has been hampered
by a quarter crack and, like many horses in Southern California, had his training
schedule disrupted by unprecedented rain.