by Ron Parker

Shadwell Stable’s Lucky Island (Arg) increased his winning streak to three on Saturday as he pulled away from six challengers to win the $109,100 Bold Ruler Handicap (G3) at Belmont Park.

Man of Danger sprinted to the lead after the break while jockey Alan Garcia settled Lucky Island down on the rail to track the leader. Turning for home, Garcia angled the four-year-old Lucky Roberto colt out for racing room and they collared Man of Danger at the eighth pole en route to a 2 ¼-length victory.

Man of Danger easily held second, two lengths clear of Forefathers, as Lucky Island stopped the timer in 1:09.14 on the fast track.

“I thought he was the best horse coming into the race, and the race set up for me really, really good,” Garcia said. “My horse was a little slow early, but I managed to save ground. Turning for home, I knew I had the best horse.”

Lucky Island won his maiden debut in his native Argentina, scoring by nine lengths at San Isidro before being acquired by Shadwell and coming to the United States barn of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

He finished seventh in his first U.S. start at Calder Race Course on December 29 but is undefeated this year, winning allowance races at Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct before his stakes debut in the Bold Ruler.

“The first time we ran him he bled,” McLaughlin said. “We were thinking of sending him to Dubai, which is why he ran without Lasix. Now, he is three-for-three for us on Lasix. This was a big step up from a ‘two other than.’ He proved he belonged. He looked great in there. By the fall, we could stretch him out. We’ll keep him sprinting for now.”

Bred by Arroyo de Luna, Lucky Island is out of the Equalize mare Ebrolize, Lucky Island has won four of five career starts and earned $134,942.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer