Scenic Lodge resident Universal Ruler sired his 10th Stakes winner when Rusty Dreams took advantage of a rails run to land the LR Belmont Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.

Rusty Dreams had been runner-up in the LR Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at her previous start and was handled patiently from an outside gate by Chris Parnham.  The 3yo filly burst through a gap along the fence and then went clear to score impressively.

Parnham joined his brothers Brad (Variation in 2017) and Steven (Kay Cee in 2020) on the Belmont Guineas honour-roll with a superb ride.  “She was the best horse in the race and I just got lucky,” Parnham told The West Australian.  “I rode her quietly because she also had the best turn of foot.

“I laid on her neck when we jumped and she relaxed nicely.  She will run a mile and beyond next season and will be suited in races like the Starstruck and La Trice Classics.”

Rusty Dreams completed a hat-trick at Ascot in April and her earnings have now reached $374,820 including Westspeed Bonuses of $160,950 for a partnership managed by her breeder Peter Capararo of Canal Enterprises.

Her older half-brother Rusty Spirit (Trade Fair) won twice at Ascot in March for trainers Cliff Smith & Jo Leeson.  They are the only foals from unraced mare She Done Him Wrong (Oratorio) who descends from G2 Champion Fillies Stakes winner Mercurial Madam (Is It True).

Trainer Michael Lane was confident Rusty Dreams could win the black-type feature.  “We haven’t done much with her since the Raconteur but we knew she was fine for today.  She was headstrong early on and we couldn’t afford to kick her out of the gates because she would probably over-race.”

Lane later confirmed she will progress to the LR Belmont Oaks (2000m) on July 1.

Universal Ruler (Scenic) and former Taunton Vale sire Demerit (Lonhro) head the WA 3YO sires table for individual winners (14) just ahead of Playing God, Maschino and Oratorio all on 13.

He also sired a third 2yo winner this season – following Wiley Girl and Princess Lacillia – when King Cartel was successful in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Hcp (1200m) on Saturday.  Bred by Grant McLearie, he’s out of the Steve Wolfe-trainer winner Miss Somebody (Demerit) who also has a filly foal by Universal Ruler.

Scenic Lodge stands Universal Ruler for $8,250 alongside Dash For Cash at $2,200.  Fees (inc GST).