Shadwell Stable’s Lucky Island, an Argentina-bred with a promising future, became a graded stakes winner Saturday afternoon, catching up to front-running Man of Danger in mid-stretch and then accelerating for a 2 1/4-length victory in the 33rd running of the Grade 2, $109,100 Bold Ruler Handicap for three-year-olds and up at six furlongs on Belmont Park’s fast main track.

In winning for the third straight time and fourth time in five lifetime starts, the 4-year-old Lucky Roberto colt turned in a professional performance that figures to be the building block on big career.

Under jockey Alan Garcia, Lucky Island sat off of Man of Danger, who broke from the rail to set a pace of 21.95, 45.06 and 56.79

But when Lucky Island challenged the pacesetter, he took the lead without a fight and went on to win in 1:09.14 on a track that started off “good” and was “fast” by midafternoon.

Lucky Island paid $9.20 to win.

“He’s a nice horse,” Garcia said. Kiaran (McLaughlin, trainer) did a great job with this horse. I thought he was the best horse coming into the race, and the race set up for me really, really good. 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’s only loss came in December at Calder, when he stumbled and lost all chance in a 6 ½-furlong sprint. He ran seventh.

“The first time we ran him, he bled,” said McLaughlin, who took over the training of Lucky Island from Argentine trainer Jorge Myansky Neer. “We were thinking of sending him to Dubai, which is why he ran without Lasix. Now, he is 3-for-3 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.”

Man of Danger held for place, followed by Forefathers, Council Member, Callmetony, Executive Fleet and Gold and Roses.