A quiet moment in the barn Friday morning spoke volumes about the confidence surrounding Road Forever. Trainer Jose D’Angelo’s hand lingered on the bay colt’s neck, a reassuring pat replacing the customary pre-race kiss, as he whispered encouragement before heading out to the track. The nine-furlong prospect is set to make his stakes debut in Saturday’s $75,000 Aventura at Gulfstream Park, the first of four supporting stakes on an 11-race card headlined by the $200,000 Princess Rooney (G3).
Road Forever, a 15-length maiden special weight winner for Sonata Stable, is the standout among six promising 2-year-olds stepping up in class. Purchased as a 2-year-old in training for $175,000, the colt is a bay son of Grade 1 winner Bolt d’Oro, whose older siblings include six-figure earner Pioneer Parade. Following his impressive debut at Gulfstream’s main track Aug. 16, Road Forever has shown steady progress at Palm Meadows, logging smooth breezes and demonstrating a maturity beyond his age.
Trainer D’Angelo was candid about the colt’s debut performance. “I was very optimistic, but I can’t say I expected a 15-length win. He did it so easily—it was remarkable,” he said. “Now we’re stretching him to a mile. He’s improving every week and looks more focused and mature.” Jockey Emisael Jaramillo, who piloted Road Forever in his maiden victory, retains the mount from the outside Post 6.
Road Forever faces a competitive field in the Aventura. Second-choice Strategic Reserve, co-topweight at 120 pounds, boasts a six-length debut win at Gulfstream and is a half to Perryville winner Nashville. Edgard Zayas takes the call from Post 2. Wayne’s Law (Post 3, 4-1) returns off a 6 ¾-length victory and has shown versatility over sprint distances. After Party (Post 1, 15-1), who recently broke his maiden for trainer Jack Sisterson, makes a quick turnaround to challenge again at seven furlongs. Completing the field are Metodo (Post 4, 20-1), a homebred son of Gone Astray coming off a 5 ½-length win, and Rammaas (Post 5, 9-2), who broke through for a gate-to-wire triumph over seven furlongs.
With the mile distance presenting a fresh challenge for most of the field, Road Forever’s pedigree and recent workouts suggest he will handle the step up in class with ease. As Gulfstream’s grandstands fill Saturday, all eyes will be on the bay colt who has already captured attention with his dominant debut.
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