Indulgent steps up to mile in Ruffian Stakes

Progressive four-year-old filly Indulgent takes on Highway Star for a second time in the G2 Ruffian Stakes (18.17hrs local time) over a mile on dirt at Belmont Park, USA, on Saturday, May 13. 

The two met in the seven-furlong G3 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct on April 9, when Indulgent posted a career-best effort in second, rallying gamely to finish a half a length behind Highway Star. 

Indulgent, who is trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and ridden by regular jockey Irad Ortiz Jr, notched a hat-trick of wins over six furlongs previously. The daughter of Bernardini followed up an easy win in a Parx maiden in October with a pair of comfortable successes at Aqueduct in November and January. 

As well as Highway Star, the field of five for the Ruffian Stakes includes G2 Barbara Fritchie Stakes winner High Ridge Road and G3 Comely Stakes scorer Verve's Tale. 

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “Indulgent ran really well last time and I think that there is a good shift in the weights in our favour over Highway Star. Last time, she only gave us one pound but has to give us six pounds now. 

“Indulgent is doing great and worked really well last week. We feel like she has always wanted the mile and it is a good progression.

“She trains at Belmont every day and is used to this track. We are excited about the race.”