Classy Ruler should enjoy longer distance

ARCADIA, Calif. – Classy Ruler will have her first start around two turns in a maiden special weight at a mile in Sunday’s fourth race. The distance should suit the filly, who trainer John Shirreffs has rated as a leading prospect.

Classy Ruler was second in her debut in a maiden special weight race at six furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 30. She closed from fifth of eight to finish 1 1/2 lengths behind Golden Principal, who starts in Sunday’s Grade 2 Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs.

Classy Ruler, a $700,000 yearling purchase who races for Lee and Susan Searing, will be ridden by Mike Smith, who was aboard for her first start. Smith rode Classy Ruler in a half-mile workout in 49.80 seconds on Dec. 29.

“It should be a good distance,” Shirreffs said. “In her first race, we were figuring her out to see how she handled everything. I thought she did well.”

Classy Ruler is by Empire Maker, who is also represented by another leading contender in the field in Storie Blue, who was second by a head to Paige Anne in a maiden special weight race at a mile at Los Alamitos on Dec. 15. Paige Anne is part of the Santa Ynez field.

Hoop Dream tries to keep up family tradition

The first-time starter Hoop Dream may have history on his side when he makes his debut in a maiden special weight for California-breds in Sunday’s second race.

Hoop Dream is out of Ruff Proof, who won a $30,000 claimer for maidens in her debut on the same date in 2014 at 28-1 for David Bernstein, who also trains Hoop Dream. Ruff Proof is out of Hello Ruffie, who won her debut in March 2002 in a $32,000 claimer for maidens at 42-1.

Bernstein trained Hello Ruffie and has high hopes for the 4-year-old Hoop Dream, who will be ridden by Tyler Baze.

“I hope it continues,” Bernstein said. “Tyler really likes him.

“We gave him some time for some small issues. Now he’s really good. It was the right thing to do. He seems to be pretty good.”

Bernstein co-owns Hoop Dream with Alan Aidekman and Diane Alshie.

“Let’s hope he can give the thrills that the mother and the grandmother did,” Bernstein said.

Hoop Dream is part of a field of six that includes A Man’s Man, who was a good second in his debut on Dec. 8, and Afternoon Heat and Grandpa Louie, who have each run well at times but are winless in five starts.