Hit The Road scores impressively on opening day at Del Mar

Talented three-year-old More Than Ready colt Hit The Road won the Listed Oceanside Stakes in impressive fashion at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for trainer Dan Blacker.

Taking a sit in behind the speed allowed veteran European jockey Umberto Rispoli to make a bold move and burst through the split once hitting the straight, kicking clear by a length and three quarters on his rivals to score impressively.

“Umberto ran a faultless race and the horse is super talented,” commented Blacker. “He continues to impress; you can put him up on the speed or take him back.”

The Oceanside Stakes was Hit The Road’s second stakes win along with his imposing victory in the $100,000 Zuma Beach Stakes at Santa Anita last October by two and a quarter lengths.

Following an unlucky performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last year, Blacker feels that he learnt a lot about the horse and can train him accordingly moving forward.

“He seems like he runs his best races when he’s had a bit of time between races,” Blacker said.

With an exciting preparation ahead, Blacker said that Hit The Road will “most likely” run in the La Jolla handicap, with an extended Del Mar allowing additional time between races.

The Kentucky-bred Hit The Road was secured for $160,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September yearling sale by Craig Rounsefell and is raced by a great ownership group of DK Racing, LLC, Radley Equine, Taste of Victory Stables, Rick Gold, Lynn Miller and partners.

“He’s a striking individual with enormous potential,” commented Boomer. “A stakes winner at Del Mar is always exciting and it’s even better when it’s with great friend Dan Blacker and a super group of owners.

“Hit The Road looks to have come back stronger and more impressive than before, so we’re looking forward to the next few months!”

Hit The Road is now four wins from seven starts with over $190,000 in prize money and his future looks very bright.