One Ruler reigns supreme in G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes

Exciting juvenile One Ruler joined some exalted company and earmarked himself as a Classic contender for 2021 with an impressive victory in the G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, 10 October.

Best Solution, Ghaiyyath and Persian King have all used the mile contest as a springboard for subsequent G1 victories and One Ruler also looks set to make his mark at a high level after comfortably beating G2 runner-up Van Gogh by an easy length and three-quarters.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt, stepping up in class and trip after an unlucky-in-running third in the seven-furlong Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster, soon raced in midfield of the 10 runners under William Buick.

One Ruler took slightly closer order to go a close fourth at the halfway point and stayed on powerfully to hit the front with a furlong and a half to race. The Dubawi homebred readily took command of the race, forging clear in the final furlong before being eased near the line.

Stable-companion Dhahabi (James Doyle) was slowly away but the Frankel colt battled on well in the closing stages to take third, going down by just over three lengths in total.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were very pleased with One Ruler, who has taken a step forward from his run at Doncaster. The step up to a mile has brought out further improvement and William Buick was very pleased afterwards. He has travelled well throughout the race and picked up nicely.

“William feels that the horse has enough pace to be a Guineas contender. His dam Fintry was a G2 winner over a mile and he is a son of Dubawi who will get stronger over the winter, which could build on his speed. I think he is a horse who we would have to consider strongly for the 2,000 Guineas.

“Dhahabi is going to be a mile and a half horse and shaped well over today’s trip. It was his third run and he is still learning on the job – he was slow from the gates before travelling into the race well and galloping out strongly. Stepping up in trip is only going to suit and hopefully we will see more improvement as we go further with him.”

William Buick said: “I think it was a very nice performance on very soft ground from One Ruler and stepping him up in trip has helped. He probably handled the ground but will be better on a better surface for sure.

“The Flying Scotsman at Doncaster was a funny race – I ended up too far back and set him a bit of a task – but today was far more straightforward for him. He showed today that he has improved.

“I think he has definitely got the speed for the 2,000 Guineas and we will see how he winters. I know the spring will come fairly quickly but we will see what the team decide. I am sure that they will be keeping an eye on it over the winter.”