Roanan Goddess scores in Xtra Heat Stakes

Mens Grille Racing’s Roanan Goddess improved off her first two tries in stakes company to start her sophomore campaign with a victory in Saturday’s $99,000 Xtra Heat Stakes at Laurel Park.

Sixth in the Smart Halo in November and fourth in the Gin Talking in December – both at Laurel – Roanan Goddess overcame some jostling and tight quarters late in Saturday’s Xtra Heat to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Reconcile. Jeiron Barbosa rode the winner, a 3-year-old daughter of former New York-based sire Leofric, for trainer Hamilton Smith.

Sent off as the 2-1 third choice in the field of five, Roanan Goddess rated third behind the early speed Reconcile and C C Royal through the opening quarter-mile in :22.86 over the muddy and sealed track. Reconcile continued to lead by a length over C C Royal around the far turn and to the half in :46.74, with Roanan Goddess just behind while still on the inside.

Roanan Goddess challenged for the lead near the 3/16ths pole and jostled a bit with Reconcile making her bid. She took over from there and drew off inside the final sixteenth to win going away. Reconcile held second, 2 lengths ahead of C C Royal with 7-5 favorite Heart fourth. The final time was 1:11.82.

Bred by Chad Carter, foaled at Rockridge Stud in Hudson and out of the winning Midnight Lute mare Night Madam, Roanan Goddess sold for $30,000 to C & C Stables at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale. She later sold to Mens Grille Racing for $60,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale.

Roanan Goddess is the second foal out of Night Madam, who is also the dam of the eight-time winning New York-bred Alpha mare Madam Alpha. Night Madam is also the dam of a West Virginia-bred 2-year-old full brother to Roanan Goddess named Snowy Night.

Roanan Goddess has raced exclusively in the Mid-Atlantic region, starting her career with a sixth in a turf sprint maiden at Laurel before a victory in a similar 5 ½-furlong maiden race in early September at Colonial Downs. Switched to the dirt after that victory, Roanan Goddess finished second and first in allowance-optional races at Laurel to earn those tries in stakes company to end her juvenile campaign.

The Xtra Heat was worth $60,000 to Roanan Goddess’ connections and the filly improved to 3-1-0 in seven starts with $147,240.

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/01/27/roanan-goddess-scores-in-xtra-heat-stakes/

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