Search Results Finds Winner's Circle in Ruffian

Klaravich Stables' Search Results returned to the winner's circle for the first time in 11 months after putting away the competition in the $200,000 Ruffian Stakes (G2) May 8 at Belmont Park. The 4-year-old Flatter filly, trained by Chad Brown, finished third in her previous two starts—the 2021 Longines Test Stakes (G1) and the April 9 Distaff Handicap (G3). In the one-mile Ruffian she faced a stiff field of five fillies and mares, including favored Lady Rocket, last year's Mother Goose (G2) winner Zaajel, and 2021 Beldame (G2) winner Royal Flag. Bank Sting held up the start, but Sunday's race went off without incident once the multiple-stakes winner was reloaded. After a shuffle for the lead, Lady Rocket took over and posted a quarter-mile in :22.67 with Search Results to her outside in second and Make Mischief in third. As a half-mile went in :45.33 the field began to round the top of the turn for home, and Search Results ranged up closer and eventually moved right on by Lady Rocket entering the stretch. Irad Ortiz Jr. asked Search Results for her best and the filly opened up a three-length lead. She was timed in 1:34.88 over the sealed muddy track and paid $9.80 to win as the third betting choice. "She got over the track just fine. Last time (in the Distaff), she came from a layoff going too short maybe," Ortiz said. "But today was great. I saw it was time to go (at the top of the stretch) and I asked her and she responded very well. As soon as I asked her, she took the lead and she did her thing. She's a really nice filly." Royal Flag, also trained by Brown, rallied from last to finish second, and Lady Rocket held on for third. Bred by Machmer Hall, Search Results is out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Co Cola. Last year, Search Results won her Jan. 3 career debut and added the Busher Invitational Stakes and Gazelle Stakes (G3) before finishing a neck behind Malathaat in the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). She earned her first top-level score in the Acorn Stakes (G1) in her next start.