Roman Ruler likely for Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Roman Ruler may run in the Sprint instead of the Classic (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

Haskell Invitational H. (G1) winner ROMAN RULER (Fusaichi Pegasus) appears
headed to New York for the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on
October 29, but he could face the undefeated sprint sensation Lost in the Fog
(Lost Soldier) in the six-furlong Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and not SAINT LIAM
(Saint Ballado) and ROCK HARD TEN (Kris S.) in the 1 1/4-mile Breeders’ Cup
Classic (G1), trainer Bob Baffert indicated Wednesday.

Roman Ruler, who finished second to Rock Hard Ten in the 1 1/8-mile Goodwood
Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) on October 1, drilled four furlongs over a fast track in
:47 under exercise rider Dana Barnes at Santa Anita on Wednesday.

“After watching him today I might be leaning towards the Sprint,” Baffert
said. “He went very nice. This is the best he’s gone in a long time. The way he
worked today, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint would probably be highly likely for him
if he continues the way he’s going. He’s a quick horse. He’s fast. We’re leaning
towards the Sprint. The last time he sprinted, he won.”

Meanwhile, Goodwood winner Rock Hard Ten worked six furlongs in 1:12 4/5 in
company with stakes winner and Grade 2-placed Rhythm Mad (Fr) (King’s Theatre
[Ire]), who was timed in 1:15.

“It was a great work,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “Everything’s going
great. He’ll get a little longer one (workout) next week. We’ll ship the 23rd
the way it looks now.”

Rock Hard Ten in unbeaten in three starts this season, winning the Stub S.
(G1) and Santa Anita H. (G1) prior to an off-the-shelf, one-length victory
Goodwood. He is expected to vie for favoritism in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.