How to bet the 2022 Bold Ruler Stakes

A field of 10 has been entered for Saturday’s $200,000 Bold Ruler S. (G3) at Aqueduct. The six-furlong dash attracted a field lacking a clear standout on paper, but I do feel like #1 Meraas (5-1) will be especially difficult to defeat in the dirt dash.

Trained by Chad Summers, the son of Oasis Dream took to the transition to the dirt in Dubai this winter when posting a pair of very good wins at Meydan. In his stateside bow, Meraas blitzed through a fast opening half-mile in an allowance tilt before ultimately finishing third behind intriguing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) contender Elite Power.

The British-bred gelding posted a pair of bullet breezes in preparation of his second run on U. S. soil, and the five-year-old is well drawn on the rail to take the race to his foes from the opening bell. He comes in fresh for his second run since February and will have Flavien Prat in the silks, which I view as a major positive.

#8 Runninsonofagun (9-2) is not the best win candidate in the field, but the John Toscano pupil has placed in five stakes races in succession, the last four in the graded ranks, and he rates as an obvious top-three candidate in the field. By Gun Runner, the sophomore will step up to face his elders on this occasion, but he’s two-for-three locally and will make his customary late run with Kendrick Carmouche taking the reins.

#3 Factor It In (8-1) appears to be in peak form in his six-year-old season for Carlos Mancilla. By The Factor, the six-year-old has improved with each performance in 2022, capped by a victory in the Challedon S. at Laurel Park last time out. The $75,000 yearling purchase smoked a bullet half-mile in his latest morning move and must be respected with Jorge Ruiz coming in for the ride.

Multiple Grade 3 hero #2 Drafted (6-1) has excuses for his last two performances and will be rolling home late with his top showing under Trevor McCarthy. Trained by David Duggan, the Field Commission eight-year-old has won or placed five times on the strip and makes a lot of sense to grab a share from off the pace.

Bold Ruler Wagers

• $30 win: #1 Meraas ($30)
• $3 exacta: key box 1 with 2, 3, 8 ($18)
• $3 trifecta: key 1 with 2, 3, 8 ($18)