"We've got to start him somewhere," said Baffert, who started off his East Coast assault in a big way by winning the six-furlong True North Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) with Mike Pegram's Woke up Dreamin on Belmont Stakes (gr. I) day."This will be a good prep for the (grade I) King's Bishop Stakes (at Saratoga on Aug. 27)," Baffert said. Following the King's Bishop, Baffert will decide whether or not to stretch the colt out again.Roman Ruler has been training brilliantly at Santa Anita, and most recently drilled a half in :46 flat on June 12. Prior to that, he worked six furlongs in 1:11 2/5.
Fog City Stable's Roman Ruler, who hasn't run since his eighth-place finish in the March 19 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II), is scheduled to make his return in the six-furlong Jersey Shore Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) at Monmouth Park on July 4.The son of Fusaichi Pegasus has been plagued with a quarter crack for most of the year, and trainer Bob Baffert decided it was best to take the colt off the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail and give him time.Roman Ruler, winner of last year's 1 1/16-mile Norfolk Stakes (gr. II) and 6 1/2-furlong Best Pal Stakes (gr. II), has not run this short since breaking his maiden at five furlongs last June.