Steady Ruckus again

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Steady Ruckus overcame traffic problems in the stretch to take the $140,125 Bunty Lawless Stakes for the second time in the last three years at Woodbine on Saturday.

Steady Ruckus, who was ridden by Jim McAleney, raced well off a four-way pace battle in the one-mile turf event, and commenced his rally on the turn. Hanlan emerged with the lead early in the stretch, but was overhauled by several runners in the final furlong, including Steady Ruckus, who found room along the inside and bested 25-1 shot Devil Valentine to prevail by a neck.

Inish Glora edged a game Hanlan for third, in the 12-horse field of Ontario-sired runners. The final time, over a course rated soft, was 1:37.38.

Steady Ruckus, who won the 2000 Bunty Lawless at 17-1, returned $5.20 and earned $84,075 for owner Ed Lang. He is trained by Gil Rowntree.