Ready Ruler victorious in El Joven

SELMA, Texas - Ready Ruler, despite losing ground when he propped at the photo-finish lights near the wire, proved much the best Saturday night in the $100,000 Ketel One El Joven at Retama Park. The one-mile turf race for 2-year-old colts and geldings shared a program with the $100,000 M2 Technology La Senorita, which was won by Malika's Gold.

The races made for one of the richest programs of the meet, and attendance was 8,347.

Ready Ruler ($18) settled in several lengths behind Malanato, who set a controlled pace while running the opening six furlongs in 1:12.21. Ready Ruler moved up on the final turn, and went on to cover the distance over firm turf in 1:36.74.

"The scary thing about him is that he still hasn't put 100 percent into [racing]," said Jeremy Beasley, who rode Ready Ruler for Vinery Stables and trainer Tony Mathiasen.

Ready Ruler won by a length over a game Malanato. It was another length back in third to Reno Bob. Major League, who was a slight favorite over Malanato, finished 11th.

Ready Ruler is a son of More Than Ready. He earned $60,000 for the win, which was his second from five career starts. Ready Ruler's earnings stand at $83,250.

Malika's Gold ($12.20) remained perfect in two career starts with her length and a quarter win in the La Senorita for 2-year-old fillies at a mile on turf. Ready to Live finished second, a half-length in front of third-place finisher Kristin's Charm. Spin Jazz Baby was the even-money favorite and finished sixth in the La Senorita.

Malika's Gold stalked pacesetter Wild Alizone to the second turn, overtook her near the quarter pole, and powered home in a final time of 1:36.76. Casey Lambert rode the winner for Tim Hoese and trainer Randy Oberlander.

Malika's Gold earned $60,000 for the win, her second following a five-furlong debut score at Canterbury on July 24. She is a daughter of Gold Case.

Retama offered a regional pick 4 on Saturday, and it included the El Joven and La Senorita, as well as the Matron Stakes from Evangeline Downs. The 6-4-12-2 combination on races six, seven and eight at Retama and race nine at Evangeline paid $1,475.40.