Godolphin's One Ruler (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was seen in action on the Rowley Mile on Wednesday, not in a formal Classic trial but in a racecourse gallop with stable-mate Well Of Wisdom (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}).
The winner of the G3 Emirates Autumn S. and runner-up to Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) in the G1 Vertem Futurity, One Ruler was ridden by former champion jockey Kieren Fallon. He is generally around 10/1 for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on May 1 and also holds entries for the Cazoo Derby and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
One Ruler's trainer Charlie Appleby said after the workout, in which he breezed clear of the 106-rated Well Of Wisdom with two furlongs left to run, “I was very pleased with that. He has been to Chelmsford and it was very kind of Newmarket to let us do this. He wasn't going to go for a trial as he has got enough experience already on his CV and he has justified himself to turn up straight to a Guineas.”
He continued, “We have now got a nice piece into him and that puts us where we need to be. He hasn't missed a beat all winter and we will now just go through his normal routine until the Guineas. Kieren explained that he handles that dip flawlessly and he already has the experience of being a course and distance winner, so he ticks a lot of boxes.”
One Ruler is out of the Shamardal mare Fintry (Ire), who beat dual Classic heroine Avenir Certain (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) to win the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil over a mile the season after winning the G2 Prix de Sandringham. Appleby said that he feels that her son, too, may be suited to shorter distances than the Derby.
He added, “On the back of winning the Autumn Stakes people start talking about the Derby but the first thing we are looking at is the Guineas and that's the target.
“I don't think he is a stayer as he has got stronger over the winter. I'm very pleased with the way he has done physically. He was a little bit slow coming to hand but I think we have had a hard winter. I couldn't be happier with what I've seen over the last six weeks or so. He has stepped up his work and he has answered every question that we have put to him so far.”
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