A nine-time Stakes winner already, Elusive Quality's Native Ruler added yet another to his résumé with a victory in the six and one-half furlong Don Bernhardt Stakes at Ellis Park. It was a repeat win for the veteran, who also took the race in 2010. Under Jamie Theriot, Native Ruler settled off the pace. Coming around the turn, he was guided to the outside before unleashing a powerful drive in the stretch and easily won with a speedy time of 1:14.88. The seven-year-old has now accomplished more than $600,000 in earnings.
Native Ruler was bred in Kentucky by Rick Nichols and Bernie Sams. He is out of the Dixieland Band mare Tajannub, who was a G3-winning juvenile in England.
The sire of outstanding racehorses, Elusive Quality's best include G1 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass, and three-time G1 winner Quality Road. He is also the sire of Australia's record-breaking G1 juvenile Sepoy. In 2010, he sired an exceptional 17 Graded/Stakes winners of 28 Stakes races - more than any North American sire.
