Photo by Adam Coglianese/NYRA

America’s Day at the Races host Greg Wolf referred to her as “the SPEEDY Roja.” And trainer Tom Amoss, also on the broadcast desk, called her his best bet of the day.  She did not disappoint, capturing the Intercontinental Stakes-G2 on the turf at Saratoga on this Belmont Festival Weekend.

Out like a rocket under Irad Ortiz, Jr., she set a hot pace without ever relinquishing the lead. A few threatened to menace, but Roja dug in gamely, kicked into yet another gear and turned them back effortlessly. Closest to her was her stablemate, Hit The Bid Racing Stable’s Italian Soiree, who finished second by 1 1/4 lengths.

All four of Roja’s career wins have come sprinting on the grass. Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables LLC, this was her first graded stakes win. She was bred in Kentucky by C. Kidder.

Interviewed in the winner’s circle by Megan Burgess after the race, Eclipse’s Aron Wellman commended the phenomenal job Graham and team have done with what he called “this modestly bred filly.” By Karakontie (JPN), Roja is out of the Red Ransom mare Redmeansgo.

“She’s some kinda fast,” Aron added.

We’ll toast to that……cheers to all on today’s big win!