Seymourdini back in graded company for Bold Ruler

ELMONT, N.Y. – Seymourdini, who has won his three races this year by a combined 36 1/4 lengths, returns to graded stakes company for the first time in 16 months when he heads a field of 11 entered for Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Bold Ruler Handicap at Belmont Park.

Seymourdini has not run since winning the State Dinner Stakes by 10 1/2 lengths July 3 at Belmont. Trainer Linda Rice didn’t see a suitable race at Saratoga for Seymourdini, and he needed a month on the farm to deal with a small physical issue.

Rice’s goal with Seymourdini has always been the Grade 1 Cigar Mile on Aug. 2 at Aqueduct, and the Bold Ruler, at seven furlongs, is the logical race to get him there.

“Whether he’s at his best right now . . . he’s close enough to run, and the point is we need this race to get there,” Rice said.

Seymourdini drew post 9 and will be ridden by Jose Ortiz. The field includes Tale of S’avall, Awesome Banner, Ready for Rye, Green Gratto, Tommy Macho, Tom’s Ready, Stallwalkin’ Dude, Beasley, Mr. Crow, and Divining Rod.