Florida-bred colt earns $25,000 FSRI Bonus

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Under a patient ride from Leonel Reyes, American Roadster cut through a narrow gap on the rail in the lane then jetted clear late to win a five-furlong, $70,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-olds by two-and-a-half lengths at Gulfstream Park Friday. Defeating five rivals in his first start, the Florida-bred colt was the fourth winner from 14 starters for freshman sire Roadster, who stands at Ocala Stud.

American Roadster also picked up a $25,000 Florida Sire Racing Incentive bonus from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association with $20,000 going to owner Red Diamond Stable and $5,000 to breeder Ocala Stud, O’Farrell & Sons and J. Michael O’Farrell Jr.

Capped at $1 million, the FSRI program pays the $25,000 bonus to each eligible 2-year-old Florida-sired, Florida-bred winner of a maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming and stakes run at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs in 2026.

 

American Roaster and Reyes allowed 4-5 favorite Coup de Grace to get away to length-and-a-half advantage early, settling into a three-horse race for second through a :22.67 first quarter mile. American Roadster loomed just behind Coup de Grace while saving ground around the turn but lacked room to advance until turning for home. Coup de Grace came just off the inside at the head of the stretch, allowing American Roadster the narrow opportunity to squeak through and get to the front. Once clear, American Roadster accelerated to finish in :59.31 on the fast track. Coup de Grace was second, four lengths ahead of Arequipe in third. Florida-bred Tilou, Eyeway and Florida-bred Eh Han completed the order of finish.

American Roadster was let go with 9-1 odds and paid $21.40 to win.

Trained by Joel Santiago, American Roadster earned $56,800 in addition to the FSRI bonus, providing a quick return on the $15,000 purchase price paid by the owners at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale of 2-year-olds. Consigned by Ocala Stud, American Roadster is out of the stakes-placed Malibu Moon mare Miss Melinda, a half-sister to Black Snowflake, who is stakes-placed in England.

Return to the July 3 issue of Wire to Wire