Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ Ananroad capped an improving run of form with a strong front running performance at Delaware Park on Wednesday, October 14.
The son of Quality Road finished 6th on his debut at Monmouth before switching to Delaware to find one too good and then continued that upward curve with a half-a-length victory.
Taking advantage of his inside draw, Ananroad sprang from gate one to take up the running as the field set off over their one-mile circuit. Jockey Angel Suarez was able to dictate a comfortable pace on the front end, allowing his mount to ease into a nice rhythm. At the start of the turn, the winner made what was to turn out the decisive move. Suarez allowed Ananroad plenty of rein and the colt moved into a five-length lead. With rivals dropping away behind, that lead was still intact heading down the stretch. Super Dancer emerged as a late finishing challenger, but with the Mike Stidham trainee still finding plenty out in front he ultimately couldn’t get passed.
The victory continues an excellent run of form for his owners in the USA with Phoenix now recording three winners from their last five starters in the country.