Scenic Lodge resident Universal Ruler was runner-up to Playing God among active stallions for the WA sires’ premiership in 2022-23 and he franked that form when Ginnivan blew his rivals away on debut at Belmont.
Ginnivan was coming off a five-length barrier trial win last month but punters shied away to their regret when the speedy 3yo gelding pinged the gates and put them away after drifting from $6 out to $13!
“We knew he was quick but I didn’t think he could cross a pretty good filly like Shell Bell so easily,” trainer Jim Taylor confessed after the first Saturday race of the new season. “He showed his class at the trials and Jason (Brown) said we haven’t had one as good as him for a fair while. He worked with an open-class mare on Tuesday and had her off the bit.”
Ginnivan (Photo / Western Racepix) was bred by Taylor’s wife Tina and is a half-brother to On The Full (Rogano) who won at Northam and Belmont in June. Their dam Taken High (High Chaparral) was covered by Maschino at Alwyn Park last September.
His USA-bred second-dam Took (Giant’s Causeway) is a half-sister to War Front’s Irish black-type winners Intelligence Cross (G3 Curragh Round Tower Stakes) and Sweet Orange (LR Dundalk Star Appeal Stakes).
Aztec Ruler also flashed home from last to be beaten in a photo-finish by Zephyra (Demerit) in the Congratulations Neville Parnham Hcp (1400m) on Saturday.
“He’s going amazing and will improve on that run,” trainer Stephan Vahala said. “We hoped he could figure at the Ascot carnival last summer but was ruled out with a minor injury. He’s a lovely, relaxed horse with a beautiful nature so I definitely need more Universal Rulers in the stable!”
Universal Ruler finished last season with a rush via Rusty Dreams (LR Belmont Guineas), three-time city-winner Universal Flair and fellow Belmont winners King Cartel and Princess Lacillia.
In addition to the General Sires’ table, Universal Ruler was runner-up to Playing God for 3YO prizemoney and individual winners and he also finished on top of WA 2YO table for individual winners with Safeguard.
That suggests the best is yet to come and that was reflected at this year’s Perth Magic Millions when Universal Ruler’s yearlings sold to $110,000. Another six-figure sale was the colt from Dance On Air (Lot 76) that made $100,000 to the bid of Jim Taylor.
Universal Ruler sires stock that improve with age and that sets him up for a big season 2023-24. He’s a no-brainer to breed to this season at a value service fee of $7,500 (plus GST). For bookings or further information, please contact Scenic Lodge General Manager Jeremy Smith on (08) 9571 0155 or 0419 943 356.
