Turf Paradise: Rule by Force rallies to win Coyote Handicap

Rule by Force took his turn in the revolving door that is the sprint division at Turf Paradise, capturing Saturday’s $25,000 Coyote Handicap.

Owned by the Sandra Hall Trust and trained by Lyman Rollins, the 6-year-old gelding followed Chaplin, Point Attended, and Wiredfortwotwenty as sprint stakes winners this meet as he bided his time toward the back of the 6 1/2-furlong event before commencing a long, steady run under Vince Guerra that eventually carried him past his rivals for a half-length victory.

Absolutely Cool stalked the pace, had traffic trouble on the turn and again into the lane, but kept to his task gamely for second, a head in front of Point Attended, the 7-5 favorite who set the pace before finishing third in the field of nine.

Rule by Force ran the distance in 1:14.50 and paid $17.60. The winner’s share of $15,000 gives him a career bankroll of $187,761 from 11 wins in 30 starts.