Expected Ruler sustains minor injury in Select Stakes

Expected Ruler, who finished fourth as the 3-1 second choice in the Select Stakes at Monmouth Park last Sunday, grabbed his right front ankle during the race, but the injury does not appear to be serious, according to trainer Liam Benson Jr.

Benson believes the injury occurred near the quarter pole.

“It’s about the size of a penny but pretty deep,” Benson said. “It’s more like a puncture than a cut, just above his right ankle.”

Expected Ruler was nailed for third in deep stretch. He was beaten 2 3/4 lengths by race winner Full Salute.

“We stitched it up and wrapped it up and just took a look at it this morning,” Benson said on Wednesday. “There’s no swelling. He really hasn’t been lame on it. He was a little antsy on it after the race, but I think we dodged a bullet.”

Benson plans to give Expected Ruler two weeks off and then point to the $100,000 Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 4. The Quick Call, like the Select, is a 5 1/2-furlong turf race for 3-year-olds.

◗ Monmouth Park will hold a pair of 2 1/4-mile steeplechase races on Friday. Race 1 is a maiden race for 4-year-olds and up. Race 3 is a handicap for 4-year-olds and up. Both races will be run over National fences. First post is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.