First-time starter Expected Ruler stuns field in Tyro upset

Experience counts? Not in the 2015 Tyro.

Expected Ruler, a first-time starter from the barn of 20-year-old conditioner Liam Benson, stunned a field of 10 2-year-olds in the $60,000 Tyro Stakes, posting a decisive 2 1/2-length score at just over 47-1.

The son of Leroidesanimaux covered the five furlongs in 56.84 seconds over a firm turf course under jockey Wilmer Garcia.

Expected Ruler ($96.60) had been training well for Benson, who posted his first career stakes win in the Tyro. Expected Ruler, bred and owned by Benson's father, Liam F. Benson, was the longest price in the field.

"He's just a nice horse," said Benson, the trainer, who won his first race of the meet only a few weeks ago. "I had a feeling he had the ability, but you can never be sure. He's trained so well on the dirt that I think he'll handle any surface after this."

Shoot Craps and Dr Blarney disputed the early pace of the Tyro through an opening quarter of 21.54 and a half-mile of 44.80. That quick tempo took a toll on the frontrunners, however, and in the lane, both were overtaken by the closers. Full Salute, the 8-5 favorite in the betting, made a wide run on the turn to get into contention in the lane while Expected Ruler benefited from a ground-saving ride from Garcia, rallying nicely along the inside and drawing away in the late stages.

Full Salute, an impressive maiden winner in his most recent start, held for the place, completing a $476.20 exacta. Bravura finished third. Shoot Craps, the only runner in the field with a win on the turf – and in fact the sole entrant to have raced on the grass – was off the board as the 7-2 second choice in the wagering.