Roja has no problems in Blue Sparkler

Roja was bet like she couldn’t lose the Blue Sparkler Stakes, and she did not – not even close.

Sitting just off the flank of pacesetting Serene Spirit, Roja and jockey Jaime Rodriguez took command at the quarter pole and cruised to an easy 3 1/2-length victory in the $102,000 Blue Sparkler, a Monmouth Park turf sprint restricted to 3-year-old fillies.

Annascaul, listed at 3-1 on the track’s morning line, finished a distant second to Roja, 7-2 on the line but 3-5 at post time and a mere $3.40 winner. Another three lengths back in third came Biscuitwiththeboss. Gata Brazil and Laurice were scratched, as were two main-track-only entrants. Roja ran 5 1/2 furlongs over a firm course in 1:03.40.

Trained by Graham Motion for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stable, Roja is a daughter of Karakontie and the Red Ransom mare, Redmeansgo. She was bred in Kentucky by C Kidder.

Roja got two looks on dirt to start her career before a third race switch to turf produced a 4 1/2-length Laurel Park maiden win. Roja got into a speed duel June 15 in the Stormy Blues Stakes at Laurel, losing by a nose. No one got close to her Saturday at Monmouth.

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