Ruling the hard-yards with All Too Hard

Vinery champion All Too Hard became the first freshman to sire a winner past a mile in Australia this season when Hard Ruler scored against the odds at Sale on Sunday.

Hard Ruler overcame a horror run in transit to overwhelm her rivals in the Duart Homestead Maiden Plate (1617m). Extricated from a pocket just in time by Damien Oliver, she joined the leaders five-abreast to win by a half-head in a blanket finish.

“That was pretty tricky,” Oliver said. “She was going up in distance so I wanted to make it as comfortable as possible. The inside barrier didn’t help and she felt awkward when they sprinted. She didn’t make the turn either but really stretched out to the line.”

Hard Ruler is the 7th winner from All Too Hard’s first crop and she saluted a day after his promising youngster Éclair Sunshine scored a last-to-first victory at Morphettville.

All Too Hard sired his latest winner from Adelaide 1950m winner Legislature (More Than Ready). She’s a sister to G1 Champagne Stakes winner Carry On Cutie and a half-sister to Xandretta (Flying Spur).

Xandretta topped Day 1 of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale earlier this month with a $380,000 More Than Ready colt heading to Hong Kong.

Hard Ruler (pictured) is trained by Mick Price for a partnership that includes a Champion Thoroughbreds syndicate and Vinery Stud. “She’s been screaming for time,” Champions Racing Manager Suman Hedge said. “For her to win a 2yo race is a bonus for the owners because there’s much better to come.

“Her breeding and the way she goes about things indicates she wants more ground. She still has a way to go physically and we’re looking long-term to staying races at the autumn carnivals.”

Her dam Legislature has also foaled Lady Lee, a Lindsay Park winner by All Too Hard’s sire Casino Prince. She has a weanling colt by All Too Hard and a positive to Vinery newcomer Headwater.

All Too Hard was Australia’s Champion 3YO in 2012-13 winning to a mile in the G1 Caulfield Guineas. He stands for a $44,000 (inc gst) fee at Vinery.