Almond Roca, photo by SV Photography
Almond Roca, the speedy, crimson daughter of Speightstown, will be seeking her third straight victory on Saturday, in the grade 3, Florida Oaks, at Tampa Bay Downs. Her last two victories came on the dirt, but this 1 1/16 mile dash on the turf should prove to be no problem, as this versatile filly has found success on the turf before.
Almond Roca began her career at the age of two. She finished fourth in her debut at Laurel Park, before breaking her maiden by four lengths on the turf on her second try. She then made a run in the Smart Halo Stakes, but could do no better than fifth. It wasn't until her next start where Almond Roca really began to make herself known.
Almond Roca made her way to Florida for the winter, and in December, entered the six furlong Sandpiper Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. The nimble filly was quick to find her true stride, and made short work of her competition. Swiftly whipping her rivals into submission, Almond Roca romped down the stretch, widening her lead with every stride. It quickly became a one-horse race as Almond Roca honed in on the wire. A breathtaking 9 1/4 lengths separated her from her nearest competitor, but it wasn't just the impressive margin of victory that turned heads. Almond Roca stopped the clock in 1:10.01, shattering the previous record.
With a stakes victory and a new record under her belt, Almond Roca was only just getting started. The $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes was next, and once again, Almond Roca rose to the top. The intrepid filly ran down R True Talent, the stubborn pace setter of the race, and finished her off by a length. Almond Roca's final time of 1:22.76 for the seven-furlong event was the second fastest time in the history of the race, a true testament to the filly's strength.
Almond Roca is out of the Holy Bull mare, Styler, who is a half-sister to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, and multiple Grade 1 winner, Tiago. It is clear to see that the class from her bloodlines has passed on to her, as she is on the right path to becoming something very special in her own right.
As of now, Almond Roca's trainer, Graham Motion, plans to keep Almond Roca shorter races, but her blazing speed and unwavering desire to win has given her connections reason to dream. Her regular rider, Pablo Morales is confident that Almond Roca will be able to ace longer races, should they ever decide to stretch her out. And while she may be sticking with the Florida Oaks for her next start, dreams of Ascot are not out of the question. The sky's the limit for this talented young filly, and it will be exciting to see what she can do as the year goes on.
Almond Roca, SV Photography
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