Quality Road’s Agate Road Defies Logic In ‘Rising Star’ Turf Debut

[Wandering Eyes]

Repole Stable and St Elias Stable's AGATE ROAD (c, 2, Quality Road–Yellow Agate, by Gemologist) was hammered into even-money favoritism for his turf and two-turn debuts on the strength of a near-miss runner-up effort in a rained-off maiden Aug. 5. At the end of 8 1/2 very eventful furlongs Saturday afternoon at the Spa, the $650,000 Keeneland September purchase was named a 'TDN Rising Star'. Drawn widest in a field of 10, Agate Road was behind the eight ball right from the opening bell, as he broke a good two paths to his outside. He also cornered awkwardly into the first turn before setting near the tail of the field as 11-1 Ocala Rocket (Hard Spun) led them along on a moderate early tempo. Racing with just two behind as they hit the backstretch, but patiently handled by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Agate Road found himself with about eight lengths to find banking around the final turn, but, switched out widest into the lane and despite being bothered by a shifting-out rival nearing the furlong grounds, still managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a race he really had no business winning. He is the 15th Rising Star for Quality Road. Sales history: $650,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable; B-CHC Inc (KY); T-Todd Pletcher.

 

AGATE ROAD, a 2YO by @LanesEndFarms stallion Quality Road breaks his maiden in an exciting come-from-behind victory in Race 6 with @iradortiz aboard for trainer @PletcherRacing! @RepoleStable pic.twitter.com/kBL3M08k8W

— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 2, 2023

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