Ruler’s Court to Run at Belmont

Ruler’s Court, best known for his 14-length victory in the 2003 Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita, will make only his fourth start since then in today’s eighth race at Belmont Park.

Owned by Godolphin Stable and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the 4-year-old Doneraile Court colt has had physical issues.

After missing all of 2004, Ruler’s Court was off the board in a Group III in Dubai and 10th of 12 in the $6-million Dubai World Cup before overcoming a bad start to win by a neck as the 2-1 favorite in his Belmont Park debut Sept. 14.

Nominated for the $250,000 Sport Page, one of the races on the Breeders’ Cup Day undercard, Ruler’s Court will go in this softer spot, a $50,000 optional claimer at one mile.

Jerry Bailey will ride the dark bay, who will be opposed by Grumman, Bailero, Mach Speed, Mr. Determined and Smokescreen.

Race of the day: Masterpiece, who missed by a neck as the favorite Sept. 7 at Del Mar, will try for his first win in the U.S. for trainer Pete Eurton in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. The 5-year-old Southern Halo horse, who won five of 12 in his native Argentina, will break from the rail in the $49,000 optional claimer at one mile on turf and will be ridden by Alex Solis. Molengao, Ibero Grace, Victory Light, Head Of The House and Gray Black N White will provide the opposition.

One for the road: Quiet Maria has trained well and it won’t take a monstrous effort to defeat those who have run before in today’s fourth at Keeneland. James Graham will ride the 2-year-old Maria’s Mon filly for owner-breeder Totier Creek Farm and trainer Jeff Thornbury in the $50,000 maiden contest at about seven furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Unusual Prospect in the first, Memogram and Cowgirls N Indians in the second, K C Nite Mayr and Johnny Red Kerr in the third, Snowy River Man and Atticus In Style in the fourth, Glamour Cat and The Toast Of Troy in the fifth, Smoke ‘n Bloke and Bullet Train in the sixth, Masterpiece in the seventh and Catch The Joy in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 1/59. Money: (previous day/meet total): $4.60/$323.20. Total money bet: $364.