Roja rockets to powerful Intercontinental score
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The post-race conversation between jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and trainer Graham Motion following Roja’s win in Thursday’s Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes at Saratoga focused on a top-tier race this fall.
“Irad said Breeders’ Cup,” Motion said.
The way Roja led throughout the $250,000 Intercontinental Stakes makes a race such as the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on Oct. 31 an option.
The Intercontinental was a blockbuster result for the Maryland-based Motion, who also finished second with 18-1 Italian Soiree.
“I did feel good about running both,” Motion said.
Roja took the lead a few strides away from the gate, and held a half-length lead over the previously unbeaten Gratefully through a rapid pace of 21.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 43.13 for a half-mile.
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Gratefully, the 4-1 third choice, faded from contention in early stretch, leaving Roja with an advantage of 2 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining. Roja won by 1 1/4 lengths over Italian Soiree, finishing 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:00.44. Roja earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 101.
The course record of 59.80 seconds was set by Cogburn in the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes in 2024.
Italian Soiree, ridden by Dylan Davis, closed from sixth of nine to be second, a nose in front of Shoot It True, the 5-2 favorite.
Davis said he thought Italian Soiree could catch Roja in early stretch.
“The closer we got the more I thought so,” Davis said. “I wish they would have moved the wire. The track has been speed-favoring and I wanted to get her going” on the turn.
Love Cervere closed from last to finish fourth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths, and was followed by In Our Time, Creed’s Gold, Time to Dazzle, Ready to Jam, and Gratefully.
Roja, a 4-year-old filly by Karakontie, races for the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stable.
The Intercontinental was her graded stakes debut and fourth win in her last five starts, a span that includes a nose loss in the Stormy Blues Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf at Laurel Park last June.
“She was a little unlucky that day,” Motion said.
Roja has earned $326,027, far above her purchase price of $70,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July sale.
The Intercontinental was Roja’s second start of the year. She led throughout an allowance race at five furlongs on turf at Churchill Downs on April 29 with Ortiz aboard.
“Irad loved the filly when he rode her at Churchill Downs,” Motion said. “I haven’t trained her to go that fast, but she is naturally fast.”