Belmont winner Calabria Joe has propelled Universal Ruler into the Top 5 on Australia’s first-season premiership for 2013-14.

Calabria Joe had been runner-up on debut at Pinjarra before a milestone victory in the Westspeed Nursery (1400m) at Belmont’s rain-shortened meeting on Saturday.  “He’s my first-ever two year-old winner,” trainer Justin Warwick said.  “Hopefully, the horse has a bright future ahead.”

Scenic Lodge freshman Universal Ruler has sired 4 winners of 8 races this season for $434,470 in prizemoney.  He’s the most successful stallion on the national first-season ladder outside of Hunter Valley sires I Am Invincible, Denman, Duporth and All American.

Calabria Joe (2g Universal Ruler – Tivoli Danz by Danzero) is a younger three-quarter brother to LR Matchmaker Classic winner Scenic Fair.  Brisbane sprinter-miler Banff Connection is another Scenic stakes winner in the family.

The Warwick family have embraced the gallops since moving across from a very successful career in the harness industry.  Justin’s in-form apprentice daughter Lucy rode the winner and his wife Carol owns the promising youngster.

“Lucy positioned him perfectly,” Warwick said.  “He got a tow into the lane and then went clear.  There’s plenty of improvement to come but he does need blinkers.”

Universal Ruler (Scenic) defeated Horse of the Year Scenic Blast in the in the LR Perth Stakes when they were two year-olds.  He trained on to a Group 3 victory in the Belmont Sprint.

Scenic Lodge will stand Universal Ruler for a $3,850 (inc gst) fee this year.