Expected Ruler provides Benson with first Churchill Downs victory
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Trainer Liam Benson, a 21-year-old student at the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program earned his first career win as a trainer at Churchill Downs in Saturday night’s opener with Expected Ruler, a 3-year-old son of Leroidesanimaux, who also gave the trainer his first stakes victory in last year’s Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park.
“It was a lot of fun especially since we had a lot of people over from U of L fill up the winners circle,” Benson said. “The horse ran unbelievable. I had a feeling that he was sitting on that race. It was just a matter of getting the race to go and getting a clean trip. (Jockey) Didiel (Osorio) gave him a great ride.”
Expected Ruler entered Saturday’s race off a close fourth in Saratoga’s Quick Call Stakes on Aug. 4 where he was 1 ¾ lengths behind Holding Gold. His last victory came during Keeneland’s Spring Meet in April against allowance company when he was 16-1.
“It was definitely a confidence booster for him,” Benson said. “I don’t have the slightest idea what we’re going to do next. We’re kind of limited with the whole turf sprint thing. He might end up on the dirt at some point going short. He’s more likely to go short on the dirt than long on the turf anytime soon. He’s nominated to the (Grade III, $150,000) Woodford (at Keeneland on Oct. 8), but 14 days is a little tight for what I would like. (Saturday)’s race didn’t take anything out of him though. I gave him a little more than a full feed (Saturday) night and he devoured it.”
DOWN THE STRETCH – The Single 6 Jackpot carryover is up to $40,737 for Sunday’s 10-race program. The six-race sequence will cover Races 5-10 starting at 2:45 p.m. … The fields for Saturday’s three stakes races will be drawn Wednesday. Known probable starters for the $175,000 Lukas Classic, a 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-olds and up, according to track stakes coordinator Dan Bork: Bradester, Breaking Lucky, Bullards Alley, Hawaakom, Honorable Duty, Noble Bird and Rocket Time. Probables for the $100,000 Jefferson Cup (listed), a one-mile turf event for 3-year-olds: Baharona, Bondurant, Conquest Daddyo, Cutacorner, Don’t Be So Salty, Keystoneforvictory, Surgical Strike and Zapperini. The $100,000 Ack Ack Handicap (GIII), a one-mile event on the main track for 3-year-olds an up will likely attract reigning Champion Sprinter Runhappy and Schivarelli. … Thursday is the final “Twilight Thursday” of the year at Churchill Downs. Fans can enjoy Thoroughbred racing and $1 beers after work in the Paddock Plaza. Gates open at 4 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the first race is 5 p.m. Live music will be performed by BoogieJuice. There also will be food trucks (Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs, Holy Mole, Mark’s Feed Store, 502 Café and Pollo) and Betting 101 tips from resident handicappers in Churchill Downs’ Plaza from 5-8 p.m. … After Thursday, post time for Friday, Saturday and closing day Sunday will be 12:45 p.m.
Source: Churchill Downs
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