Angelic Ruler Makes Brilliant Return
15 December, 2018
Thoroughbred
T
THOROUGHBRED
Talented filly Angelic Ruler has made an impressive return to racing in this afternoon’s Mrs Mac’s Handicap (1200m) at Ascot and led home a winning double for the Dan and Ben Pearce stable in doing so.
Previously a winner at two of her first five career starts, Angelic Ruler suffered a minor setback that prevented her from tackling feature races over the carnival, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise as she recorded a comfortable victory.
The Universal Ruler filly settled at the tail of the field for much of the 1200m event and looked to be struggling approaching the home turn as jockey Damian Lane started to ride her aggressively.
Lord Greystoke and Lacevinsky set a steady tempo at the front of the field, while Angelic Ruler’s main danger in the market Black Sabbath enjoyed a lovely run just behind the leading pair.
When Angelic Ruler entered the home straight, she showed a dazzling turn-of-foot to quickly put the race beyond doubt and record a 2 ¼ length victory.
Dan and Ben’s father Colin, a part-owner and breeder of Angelic Ruler, said
“She’s a lovely filly and it’s just great to get a lovely filly from that mare,” he told The Races WA.
“She did a lot for me Tip The Angel and she passed away last year.
“To get this filly to carry on is really pleasing.”
Co-trainer Dan said he would give Angelic Ruler the chance to progress through her grades this campaign.
Black Sabbath, freshened-up following his unplaced run in the WA Guineas on November 24, produced a promising performance in second, while Lacevinski was third.
Vital Silver then made it a race-to-race double for the Pearce camp, taking out the Salinger Handicap (1400m).
Jockey Jarrad Noske allowed the grey to settle outside the leader Retosona throughout, before booting away to win by two lengths to Tycoon Target.
Meanwhile, trainer Dan Morton’s first two-year-old he’s saddled up this season Beethoven recorded a tough victory in the Heineken Plate (1000m).
The opening event of the day changed complexion significantly earlier this morning, when short-price favourite Specialism was scratched.
The Helmet gelding came into today’s event off just one trial last Monday, but that proved to be enough as he wore down Rubic Rose in the final few strides.
It gave Damian Lane the first leg of a race-to-race double to open the meeting.
Tim Walker