Chris Alford urges Roman Ruler (left) to Tatlow Stakes victory over Rip N Burn Photo by Gary Wild
If Friday night’s Nevele R & Warwick Studs Tatlow Stakes Final is any indication, Dean Braun could be onto something with his belief that Roman Ruler is a Victoria Derby prospect.
Braun and the Sanzaro Racing Syndicate that race the son of Christian Cullen got an early return on their investment when the versatile youngster took out the $50,000 Group 2 event.
It was only the former New Zealander’s third start in Australia – and his third win – with Lara-based Braun believing bigger wins could be in store.
“We’ve only had him about two months, but he just keeps getting better and better,” Braun said.
“We bought him with the Derby in mind, so he won’t have too many more runs (this time in). He might have one more run next week, then he’ll go the spelling paddock and get ready for the Derby.”
And on what we’ve seen so far, Roman Ruler wouldn’t be out of place in a Victoria Derby.
While he began well from barrier four, he didn’t begin fast enough to head Barzona Highway, who flew out from barrier two.
Star reinsman Chris Alford sat outside Barzona Highway in the early stages, but was happy to hand up to Brutus Smith when that Simon Walker-driven colt made a dash around the field a lap and a half from home.
Not content with a 33.6-second first quarter, Alford took Roman Ruler back to the death a lap out where he was content to sit until serving it up to Barzona Highway 400m from home.
Following a 31.6 and 28.9-second middle split, Roman Ruler zipped home the last 400m in 29 seconds to hold off the fast-finishing Rip N Burn by a half-neck in a 2:02.3 mile rate. Third, eight metres away, was Faberargas ($53).
The win was Alford’s third success in the colts and geldings division of the Tatlow Stakes, coming on top of wins with Milford Lad (1994) and Croesus (1996), and was further evidence of his greatness according to Braun.
“I didn’t really want him to let Simone go, I was quite happy for him to sit parked, but he knew what he’s doing and that’s why he’s one of the best drivers we’ve got,” he said.
