Rubius wins North Randall

Rubius had to survive a stewards' inquiry before being awarded victory in the $40,000, six-furlong North Randall stakes at Thistledown on Friday.

R and R Express was second, beaten a neck, with 1 1/2 lengths farther back to Pyrite Springs in the field of 10 Ohio-bred 3-year-olds.

Rubius made the lead soon after the start. She drifted out in deep stretch, brushing with R and R Express despite vigorous right-hand whipping by rider Julio Felix. R and R Express chased the winner all the way and was clearly second-best.

Rubius ($6.80), trained by Jeff Radosevich, ran the six furlongs in 1:11.32 over a fast track.