Natural Ruler

While Johnny Murtagh is quite a character, he is conservative when predicting his horses. However, from comments made on Natural Ruler, before and after his first start this year, it’s clear that he rates the colt highly. He believes that the son of Ten Sovereigns will be hard to beat in his next start at Dundalk later in March.

Although still lean and unfurnished as a two-year-old, the colt was given two educational runs last year. A tall (16.1 hands), athletic and well-balanced colt, he showed good race manners but lacked physical maturity. Johnny recommended we spell him to allow him to fill his frame. He has been delighted with his progress since returning to the yard as a more furnished youngster (with more development still to come).

On March 8, Natural Ruler had his first start for the year. Settling midfield, he was strong through the line to finish second, two lengths behind the winner and three lengths in front of the third horse. Johnny was delighted with the result, as the colt was not wound up for the race.

Natural Ruler will head back to Dundalk before the end of March for a maiden between 1600m and 2000m. From there, it is planned for him to work his way through the classes on the turf surface. Once he attracts a rating in the high 80’s, numerous options will be open for him including feature carnivals at Royal Ascot, Goodwood (as Ottoman Emperor did) or Newmarket. As mentioned, Johnny believes he is showing the same traits and ability as Ottoman Emperor at the same stage of his career (Ottoman Emperor won four races as a three-year-old, including the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood).

The plan at the end of his three-year-old season is to bring the colt to Australia. From what we have seen, he appears an ideal type both physically, and in his racing style (a good turn of foot) for the Australian scene. Until he comes to Australia, Johnny Murtagh will continue to train the colt from his stables in the Curragh.

From his first crop (2021), Natural Ruler’s sire Ten Sovereigns had a remarkable 31 individual winners, including four at stakes level. He shapes as a most exciting young stallion for Coolmore. Natural Ruler’s dam, Natural Blues (by New Approach) is the daughter of Group 1 winner Nahoodh, a prolific producer of winners. Natural Blues only foal prior, Shut Up And Dance, has won three races. It suffices to say this colt’s pedigree produces winners.

As a European-based racehorse, OTI can offer shares in this 3yo to experienced owners, and we welcome you making contact to oti@oti.com.au – contact by phone to (03) 9670 0255 is also welcome.