Race Recaps Hit the Road Game Victor in Kilroe Mile March 6, 2021 Credit: Benoit Photo Race Recaps Hit the Road Game Victor in Kilroe Mile March 6, 2021 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ARCADIA, CA – Trainer Dan Black saddled his first Grade 1 winner when Hit the Road gamely drove up the rail late to win Saturday’s $400,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Hit the Road broke from post 2 under new jockey Florent Geroux (who inherited the mount after Umberto Rispoli opted to ride the 5/2 favorite Smooth Like Strait) and settled into a ground-saving trip behind Smooth Like Strait and early leader Flying Scotsman. After opening fractions of :23.17, :47.32, and 1:11.28, Flying Scotsman gave way along the rail, giving the lead over to Smooth Like Strait at the top of the stretch. Hit the Road found a seam between Smooth Like Strait and the fading Flying Scotsman, then shot to the rail and took command halfway home. Holding sway in the late stages, Hit the Road crossed a neck clear while completing the firm turf mile in 1:34.48. Hit the Road edges ahead of Smooth Like Strait (Credit: Benoit Photo) “It was all heart,” Geroux said. “Sometimes when you have to go through a tight spot, the horse doesn’t necessarily cooperate, but he did great and did everything I asked him to. I couldn’t be any prouder of the horse and Dan and his team for his first Grade 1. They worked very hard to get to this point and I’m very happy for them. I liked my horse and (Smooth Like Strait), and I thought it was going to be very tough between those two. I was able to follow him all the way around and got through on the inside.” Smooth Like Strait was a neck in front of Count Again, who rallied from last to take third by a 1/2-length over Flavius. Royal Ship, Casa Creed, Ride a Comet, Spirit Animal, Flying Scotsman, and Social Paranoia completed the order of finish. Hit the Road’s win was his fourth straight, beginning with a local optional claiming event here last May and continuing in the Oceanside Stakes and the Thunder Road Stakes (G3). The 4-year-old More Than Ready colt’s record now stands at 9-6-0-0 with $494,751 earned for co-owners D K Racing, Radley Equine, Taste of Victory Stables, Rick Gold, Tony Maslowski, and Dave Odmark. “I gave myself 10 years to win a Grade 1, and luckily, we got it done in year,” Blacker said “I don’t want to make this about me. It’s all about the horse, he’s such a professional animal, he is a true racehorse. He was born that way, he’s just a true athlete and so mentally focused on racing. I just feel so fortunate to have him and with him a great group of owners like Rick and Jim. Being with me for such a long time, they’ve been so patient, and I just really thrill for them all to get a win like this.” Hit the Road returned $10.40 to win, $5.40 to place, and $4.20 to show. Smooth Like Strait brought back $4.40 to place and $3.40 to show. Count Again paid $6.60 to show.
Jim Dandy 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 677 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $500,000… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 559 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Saratoga Saturday Pick 5 Preview | Dudes Who Bet Sports 200 Aaron & Papa Dude preview Saturday’s Late Pick 5 from… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 558 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Haskell Stakes 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 676 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Jim Dandy Stakes 2024 Betting Bible | Get Saratoga Picks NOW! Get the 2024 Jim Dandy Stakes Betting Bible, featuring our EXACT race-by-race… Read More
Jim Dandy 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 677 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $500,000… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 559 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Horse Racing BEST BETS: Saratoga July 27-28, 2024 Vinny from Real Dynasty Picks gives his horse racing best… Read More
Saratoga Exacta Picks & Plays | Jim Dandy Stakes 2024 Dr. Miranda gives her Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) exacta picks… Read More