One of Two Winners Saturday for Ocala Stud Freshman Sire

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Mercury Marauder, a Florida-bred first-time starter for Ocala Stud’s hot freshman sire Roadster, trounced a field of six 2-year-old special weight maiden fillies at Belmont Park Saturday, winning by 11 lengths. With Edgard Zayas aboard for trainer Morely Thomas, Mercury Marauder covered seven furlongs in 1:16 on a fast track.

In addition to earning the $55,000 winner’s share of the $100,000 purse, Mercury Marauder took down a $3,000 Export Incentive for breeders Ocala Stud, Edward Weist and William J. Terrill. The Export Incentive was earned for the out-of-state maiden special weight and is paid by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Zayas had Mercury Marauder tucked in on the rail in fourth around the turn, behind leader Summer Memories with Morella two-wide in second and Saintly Villian third on the outside. With three-sixteenths to run, Morella and Saintly Villian went to the front together as Mercury Marauder swept out to the four path to begin her assault. Mercury Maurader hit the front at the three-sixteenth pole then drew off in the lane for the convincing victory. Morella was second, followed by Saintly Villian another length-and-three-quarters back in third. Binesi, Summer Memories and Keen Interest completed the order of finish.

Mercury Marauder paid $14.76 to win.

Owned by LJSS Thoroughbreds, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Adelphi Racing Club and Final Turn Racing Stable, Mercury Marauder was a $275,000 purchase by Adelphi Racing Club, LJSS Thoroughbreds and Reeves Thoroughbred at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale where she was consigned by Ocala Stud.

She is out of the Trippi mare Alotofappeal, a producer of 12 winners from 13 starters and 14 foals including graded stakes-placed, stakes-winning Florida-bred Epona’s Hope, by Adios Charlie; stakes-winning Florida-bred King Cab, by Noble Bird; stakes-winner B C’s Train, by Silver Train; multiple Grade 3-placed Florida-bred Talk Logistics, by High Cotton; graded stakes-placed Florida-bred Schivarelli, by Montbrook; stakes-placed Florida-bred Sonoma Crush, by High Cotton, and stakes-placed Florida-bred Big Rings, by The Big Beast.

Later Saturday afternoon, Roadster was represented by Classic Roadster, a neck winner of $50,000 maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park. See full story at FTBOA.com.

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