Road Bloc took command two furlongs from the wire and drew off on his way to posting a one-and-three-quarter length victory in the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint on Saturday, 11 March.
The five-year-old Street Sense gelding, who made just one prior start in the U.S., has blossomed since being transferred to the UAE in November. Since the move, Road Bloc has won three of six starts, culminating with his victory in Saturday’s Listed Jebel Ali Sprint.
A field of 13 went to the post for the five-furlong contest, with favoritism falling on the Doug Watson-trained Khuzaam. Road Bloc, somewhat overlooked at odds of 16-1, broke alertly under jockey Oscar Chavez and raced in mid-field through the early stages, as the field fanned wide across the track. With just over two furlongs left to run, Road Bloc overhauled Meshakel to take the lead, then drew off in the final yards to notch the victory.
Bred in Kentucky by J.D. Stuart, AR Enterprises & Godolphin, Road Bloc is out of the Stakes-winning mare, Jan’s Perfect Star (Imperialism). In turn, Jan’s Perfect Star is a half-sister to multiple Stakes winners Maria’s Mirage and Cauy (both by Maria’s Mon) and is closely related to Stakes winner and G1-placed Kelly’s Humor (Midnight Lute).
Street Sense is the sire of 12 career G1 winners, including three stallion sons standing in Kentucky: Maxfield, Speaker’s Corner and McKinzie. No stallion standing for under $100k could top his 12 BT winners in 2022.
Street Sense is standing the 2023 season at Jonabell Farm for $75,000, stands and nurses.
