Watch: Ward filly Ruthin romps in debut at Keeneland

The Thursday program at Keeneland got off to a rousing start when first-time starter Ruthin, an English-bred 2-year-old filly for Stonestreet Stable and trainer Wesley Ward, shot to the front from the inside stall and poured it on late to score by six lengths in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race on grass.

Sent off the 3-5 favorite under Joel Rosario, Ruthin went the opening quarter mile in 21.91, extended her lead on the turn through a half mile in 45.65 and continued to pull away in the stretch despite racing erratically to win in a final time of 1:04.95 on good turf. 

Ruthin, who paid $3.60, was a $475,000 auction purchase at last year's Tattersalls October yearling by Ben Glass, agent. She is the first winner for her European-based freshman sire, Ribchester. Campaigned by Godolphin, he was a four-time Group 1 winner in France. Ribchester made one start in the U.S., a fifth-place finish the 2017 Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar. 

Ruthin is out of Selinka (GB), an unraced daughter of Selkirk.