Favorite Roja Kicks Clear In Blue Sparkler For Stakes Breakthrough originally appeared on Paulick Report. After riding Roja during her first two career starts, both on the dirt, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO Roja picked up an easy win as the heavy favorite in Saturday’s Blue Sparkler at Monmouth. Roja was bet like she couldn’t lose the Blue Sparkler Stakes, and she did not – not ...

Monmouth Park, July 12, $102,000 guaranteed, value of race $102,000, 3-year-old fillies, 5½ furlongs (turf), 1:03.40 (course record, 1:00.81), course firm.

After riding Roja during her first two career starts, both on the dirt, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. suggested to trainer Graham Motion that he try the 3-year-old filly on the grass. Three races later – two ...