Just four rivals, none of which have started in a graded stakes, have stepped up to take on California's leading 2-year-old, Roman Ruler, in Sunday's $200,000 Norfolk (gr. II) at Oak Tree's Santa Anita meet. A bust at 1-9 when defeated by Declan's Moon in the Del Mar Futurity (gr. II) Sept. 8, Roman Ruler's loss did little to attract much interest in taking him on in the 1 1/16-mile Norfolk. The Bob Baffert-trained son of Fusaichi Pegasus. Roman Ruler has won two of three in his career, including Del Mar's Best Pal (gr. II) in August.With Declan's Moon put away for the remainder of the season by trainer Ron Ellis, there simply aren't many in the West Coast's juvenile crop capable of challenging Roman Ruler.After losing unexpectedly, Roman Ruler will wear blinkers for the first time Sunday. Baffert felt Roman Ruler fell too far off the pace in the Futurity.Forever Foxy is unbeaten in three starts, including a win in the Beau Brummel at Fairplex Park in his last effort. Boston Glory ran third in the San Mateo at Bay Meadows Sept. 18. He beat maiden claimers at Del Mar.Compulsive, formerly trained by Baffert, is now with trainer Nick Hines. He won a maiden race at Del Mar. Littlebitofzip broke his maiden in his fourth try at Del Mar in a one-mile turf event.
$200,000 Norfolk Stakes (gr. II), 2-year-olds, 1 1/16 miles PP. Horse, Jockey 1. Forever Foxy, Danny Sorenson 2. Compulsive, Javier Santiago 3. Boston Glory, Tyler Baze 4. Littlebitofzip, David Flores 5. Roman Ruler, Corey Nakatani All carry 120 pounds.
