Expected Ruler Pays $96.60 in Tyro Stakes

Liam F. Benson’s Expected Ruler made his racing debut a memorable one, capturing the $60,000 Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday by an impressive 2 ½ lengths at first asking.

With Wilmer Garcia aboard, Expected Ruler sat near the back of the pack early on in the 5 furlong turf sprint for 2-year-olds.  Around the turn, Expected Ruler saved ground and shot through an opening along the inside before drawing clear to the daylight score.

“I was just looking for a good performance,” said winning trainer Liam D. Benson, who earned his first stakes victory as a trainer.  “On the backstretch, I wasn’t sure about it.  Even turning for home, he wasn’t in a great spot, but he is a tough little horse.  He got the job done.  Wow is really all I can say about it.  We are just going to enjoy this for as long as possible.”

Expected Ruler lit up the tote board paying $96.60, $26.60 and $11.60 in the field of 10 colts and geldings after stepping the distance in :56 4/5.  Post-time favorite Full Salute completed the $476.20 exacta and paid $4.20 and $3.20.  Bravura was another half-length back in third, good for an $8.20 show mutuel.

Bred in Florida by Liam F. Benson, father of the 20-year-old trainer, Expected Ruler is a colt by Leroidesanimaux from the Allen’s Prospect mare Expected Pleasures.  Sunday’s victory gave him earnings of $36,000.