A Midnight Run, But Quality Wins Out Again
A Midnight Run, But Quality Wins Out Again
By Steve Haskin
In 54 years of watching horseracing, surely I must have seen a horse that reminds me of Essential Quality. I have been trying to think of one and was getting nowhere until I watched the Travers Stakes. Then it hit me. Although he has run only nine times, and is nowhere near as accomplished as any of the all-time greats who ran for four or five years, I can now say that Essential Quality is Buckpasser with tactical speed.
Now I know many of you cannot relate to that because you never saw Buckpasser and know little about him, so I will enlighten you. Buckpasser was the winning machine of his day, and like Essential Quality he would win by only as much as he had to. But he knew where that wire was and could sniff it out like a bloodhound. He didn’t win in fast times except when one of his many rabbits set a scorching pace for him, and he never won by big margins. He just won…race after race.
In his 25 career victories, 17 were by 1 ½ lengths or less and 14 of those were by less than a length. Five of Essential Quality’s last six victories were by 1 ¼ lengths or less and four of those were by less than a length. While Essential Quality has the ability to adapt to any pace, Buckpasser had a rabbit in 12 of his races.
But let’s focus on Essential Quality from here on. Simply put, when the pace has been fast he dropped back in sixth, seventh, or eighth and when the pace has been slow he was right up there within striking distance of the leader. Although Midnight Bourbon was allowed to get away with very slow fractions in the Travers, for Essential to beat him by a neck he had to do something I cannot recall a horse ever doing, which is to come home his final quarter in a mile and a quarter race in :23 flat. After those snail-like fractions he somehow was able to run the 10 furlongs in a more than respectable 2:01 4/5, earning a 107 Beyer speed figure. Only eight Travers winners have broken 2:02 in the last 27 years.
If anyone had told me before the race that Midnight Bourbon, who is just coming into his own as his sire Tiznow did around this time, would be allowed to crawl on the front end by himself in :48 4/5 and 1:14 2/5 I would have thought there was no way he was going to lose. As it is, closing as fast as he did, he shouldn’t have lost, but tell that to Essential Quality.
And briefly getting back to Buckpasser, he needed a rabbit to run his mile and a quarter in the Travers in 2:01 3/5, which at the time equaled the track record. And he came home his final quarter in :24 3/5 to beat Amberoid by three-quarters of a length.
The final point about time is that in the past 20 years, only Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has run a faster Belmont Stakes than Essential Quality, who has won at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, Belmont Park, and Saratoga, on fast and sloppy tracks from six furlongs to 1 ½ miles.
What I also love about him is that when he won the Blue Grass Stakes by a neck it was 5 1/2 lengths back to the third horse. When he won the Belmont by 1 ¼ lengths it was 11 ¼ lengths back to Preakness winner Rombauer in third. And when he won the Travers by a neck it was five lengths back to the third horse.
Yes, although he has run only nine times, he is a throwback to the types of horses I was weaned on; horses who would scrape and claw their way to victory in any manner possible, as long as they got to the wire first. He could blow right by you and win by open lengths, as he did in the Breeders’ Futurity and Southwest Stakes ; he could run you down in the final strides, as he did in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile; or he could look you in the eye and battle you every inch of the way, as he did in the Blue Grass Stakes, Belmont, Jim Dandy, and Travers
Perhaps his main attribute is taking care of himself and knowing when to relax and when to get fired up for competition. His assistant trainer Jorgito Abrego posted a video on Travers day and a photo on Jim Dandy day of him sprawled out in his stall fast asleep. When I visited him several weeks ago I got photos of him snatching his feed before it even got in his stall; looking bright and alert watching all the activity; getting sleepy-eyed standing by his webbing; and finally laying down for a snooze. In short, he knows how to conserve energy on a daily basis, which is so important on race days.
The big question now is, how does anyone overcome trainer Brad Cox’s “Two Shades of Grey” in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, meaning Essential Quality and Knicks Go, the division leading 3-year- old and older horse? Who can possibly knock off this powerhouse one-two punch?
Although the temptation will be strong to retire Essential Quality at the end of the year, as so many top 3-year-olds are, perhaps it is time for a big owner like Godolphin to think of getting a horse in the Hall of Fame or at least give him a chance to be included among the all-time greats. If Essential Quality shows in the Classic that he is not ready to match Knicks Go’s remarkable speed and staying power, there is always next year, when he should be an even more formidable foe than he’s been this year. Sheikh Mohammed was in the same position in 2006 with Bernardini and elected to retire him. Now he has an opportunity to elevate one of his horses into the realm of the all-time greats, as Seattle Slew, Affirmed, and Spectacular Bid did in
the seventies by racing at 4.
Yes, I am getting way ahead of myself, but horses like Essential Quality don’t come around every year and no one wants to say goodbye to him when there is so much more for him to achieve.
We have gotten too used to early farewells. Heck, I have already compared him in a way to the immortal Buckpasser. Now it is up to the sheikh and the Godolphin braintrust to share Buckpasser’s place in history with one of their own.
Photos courtesy of Adam Coglianese and Steve Haskin
Missed work in July….pushes :44 half and shades :24 last quarter…long frame….Prat strangling him on backstretch half mile AFTER the finish….1:08 flat this is not a fast track.
Yeah, that was seriously wild, beautiful to watch
Hi Davids …you were not dreaming after all. Flightline reappeared just like you have predicted.
This is the most brilliant million horse ever…
As I said before, for a Tapit to fire public-6F-breezes clocking 1:08 flat the sky is the limit.
Wow is an understatement!
Only potential problem I see is keeping him sound. If can, he could be any kind of horse.
Yes Mike … red flag is up when a horse shows only two starts at this time of the year… I have not seen the replay yet but there was also some offbeat with changing leads…
Happy Holiday Nelson! If speculating,what’s problem with Flightline?
Happy Holiday Mike ! No problem at all… he is so fast that I thought he missed changing leads on cue… he was just firing his turbojet coming out the final turn.
I’ve witnessed and I’m sure you as well super fast horses who unfortunately have short careers, hope this won’t hold true for him.
Yes Nelson, simply breathtaking to watch. Flightline is a sensation. As Mike states below, the challenge is keeping him sound. With talent like this the ‘sky truly is the limit.’ You would think the Malibu Stakes is more than likely the target – then what?
Decisions, decisions?
I agree Davids. Without knowing all the hindrances keeping him from running as a 2-year old or more this year, I would say that they will have to survey his health very closely.
I would run him against older horses…
It could be the 6 furlongs of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship or venture to the mile of the Ack Ack at Churchill both on October 2… just to test the waters for a possible shot at the Breeders’ Cup Sprint or the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
The Malibu is a good option but he needs to run before December while he is healthy and happy … His Equibase Speed Rating is 130 which is more than enough to beat any one at the distance…. and theoretically he should not have any problems going two turns … at any rate, next year could be a fantastic year for him!
In earlier reports the connections stated ‘they weren’t in a hurry’ and they know how talented Flightline is. Presumably, the conservative approach will continue but there is obviously great temptation to jump into the deep end. Must be fun owning/training such a gifted colt.
Happy Holiday Nelson! If speculating,what’s problem with Flightline?
Good points Davids!
Again, imagine there is a “like” button next to your comment and imagine that I clicked on it.
Likewise and thanks peri! Individual earlier behaves like an “emotional wreck”. Unhealthy fixation on one horse and defensive to the max if one asks a simple question.
Am very familiar with individual, having no issue with narrow focus per se, so have had many many cordial conversations, even about the source and the limits of individual’s interest, which does extend to cover the AP Indy tribe. The incident I mentioned occurred last year, and was the first of what has only lately become a daily experience. Hypocrisy I will overlook, as we all live in that glass house, but I too am offended when those who aren’t in a position to defend themselves – people or horses – are brought into discussion without due respect.
Agreed! I was also a big fan of Honor AP,yet last yr, at times an all out attack regarding handling of the horse. Like a private pulling rank on a general. Unreal!
I remember. Nothing has changed in the case of Max Player, though at the moment the decision to ship him early to Del Mar meets with individual’s personal appoval. The dynamic isn’t a simple lack of respect for authority, however. A few weeks ago, when I commented elsewhere that this plan for Max was a likely course of action, individual was then fixed on the idea Max would run in the Woodward, and I was derided as speaking nonsense — which was an appropriation of the horse’s connections’ authority.
Agreed! All I can state is some have way too much time on their hands. Individual checks THAT box. lol
Hi David,
Looks-wise, he seems to more take after Indian Charlie than Tapit. Actually, in action/manner of running, he much reminds me of Indian Charlie-he’d do well to be that good.
Hi sceptre, yes, I would agree with you that Indian Charlie dominates the phenotype/action/manner. I was trying to see Unbridled as well but Indian Charlie definitely dominates.
Steve, in case you didn’t hear…Nicky the Vest is back in training and had his first workout yesterday (3f). Nice to see that he’s back.
Theres a blast from the past
Nice to read that horse’s name again. Mi fa sempre sorridere. Thanks for putting a smile on my face today, EddieF!
With comments on the subject matter of this blog probably exhausted. I think I can be pardoned for highlighting a 2YO colt that has captured by attention. The colt will contest the Hopeful on Sept 6th.
The Hopeful entrant in question is Defend an impressive debut winner of a MSW at Delaware Park. The colt stopped the clock at 1:04.27 for 5 1/2F on the back of 22.61, 46.68, 58.08 fractions. It might appear that the aforementioned fractions are nothing to be impressed about. If not for the fact that the colt was never let off the bridle and was eased 50 meter from the line and won by 8L.
Defend was sired by American Freedom. Yes! The same American Freedom that at one point in the 2017 Travers, was only 1 1/2L behind Arrogate. That was before the Big Grey hit the turbo and separated by 13L. The son of Pulpit was a good looking $500K yearling purchase. He must have checked many boxes. But like many of BB expensive horses, he was good over his first 6 starts but lost form in his next two and was promptly retired.
American Freedom’s stallion register reflects nine 2YO winners with 6 being in the MSW category. Most of his winner have displayed excellent speed. This surprising given he was more of a router with excellent tactical seep. A Pulpit progeny out of a Pleasant Tap mare isn’t expected to be siring horses with 57 & 58 speed for 5F. Could American Freedom emerge as the next great son of Pulpit in the breeding shed? He certainly is off to an excellent start.
Defend dam sire City Zip needs no introduction as his mares have produce several top class runners. However Defend’s dam didn’t win from 9 starts, with 7 of those starts being at the maiden claiming level. When such an unaccomplished mare produces a foal that runs 58 in hand. Note should be taken. Her dam was accomplished runner that earned $378K.
He is big colt with a fluent and energy efficient stride. He was assigned an Equibase figure of 98 for his only start. This figure is the 2nd highest in the Hopeful field but is the highest assigned for MSW wins amongst all entrants.
The likely post time favorite for The Hopeful should be the Todd Pletcher trained and Sanford G3, winner Wit. He was assigned a 100 for Sanford. That’s just 2 points about Defend’s 98 for his MSW win.
The American Freedom colt should find the 7F of the Hopeful well within his scope. He has attracted the services of leading rider Luis Saez and that should signal respect for his talent. If this colt isn’t a one trick pony. He should prove competitive in the Hope if not emerging the winner. Well! I could be wrong.
you should never dismiss a Delaware Park 2 year old — Barbaro, Afleet Alex, Victory Gallop, Union Rags and many more
CF, you’ll be pleased to know that Defend’s Brisnet speed figure was 96, which equals Wit’s number in the Sanford. Defend’s pace numbers are competitive with Wit’s. Then there’s High Oak. Great race.
Corniche, winner of Saturday’s tenth race at Del Mar— talk about impressive—1:03 flat and he likely would have finished up 1:09 3/5, was striding out like a nice thing, by Qualuty Road stopped the hammer at a million five as a March two year old.
Hey Steve
I’m popping in because I think previous discussions and your references in this article – which I could only skim for now (Ida did a number on our electronics) – are especially relevant after today’s JCGC. We see good 3 year olds retiring all the time – even those who weren’t among the best of their crop or incredibly well-bred or with a sire who just died where the stud farm is looking for a replacement. But, Max Player is a really good example of how rewarding it can be to have patience. He’s always been talented, but to say he’s been a tricky horse is an understatement; I literally thought he might not get around the track in his debut. To say he was green doesn’t adequately describe how out of it he was..Linda turned him into a professional racehorse. He had a very fine 3 year old season, but it always seemed as if his run was too little, too late. Saudia Arabia was a nightmare – he never should have gone. Steve and Ricardo Santana tried to get this colt to run closer to the pace, but it never took ..until the Suburban. To say that made a difference to Max is an understatement – it’s changed his entire career and prospects. Today he backed up his Suburban and just exploded…don’t want to hear about time from naysayers, it’s not on Max that FdO set soft fractions; Max finished very well
I enjoyed many wonderful wins that made me giddy, but this might be the most satisfying. My point is that I wish we could see more 3 year olds run beyond their TC year – they could accomplish real successes.
By the way, on the way back from the Finger Lakes, my parents and I are staying the night in Saratoga. I can’t wait !
I figured we might be hearing from you with him being by Honor Code. But the truth is, he had the best mile and a quarter breeding of any horse in the race and Asmussen has done a tremendous job with him, especially changing his running style. I didnt like the pedigree of the favorite. I didnt think he wanted 10 furlongs. But Mac Player is definitely for real. Now you can read this column. Lol
He did, and he really exploded – no waiting on horses. BSF is 102, which is solid given the fractions.
I can’t wait to read it, and the comments, because aside from liking EQ, I’ve always favored Buckpasser, since I was a kid. I don’t know why, but something about him always appealed to me. Maybe it’s because I loved the name of his sire, Tom Fool…LOL when you’re a kid, you root for teams or horses or athletes sometimes for crazy reasons!
Betsy,
Although I’m a fan of Honor Code big time and obviously Max Player is very talented,do you actually like any horse other than Honor Code progency?
Sorry, Mike, you’re going to have to live without knowing the answer. I am done with having to answer ridiculous questions like this…
FYI, comes with territory-considering when someone seems obsessed with one only horse.
rather, only one.
way to call that phony out
Thanks! How are you?
On information and belief, the fixation is rooted in Seattle Slew. I was flamed for suggesting there were some similarities between the developmental timelines and bad luck limiting the accomplishments of Slew’s first crop and Honor Code’s.
Point taken. However when reading your comments,unlike some, you seem rational.
I hope I actually am rational, but I won’t presume to pass judgment on myself. I believe I meet and even exceed Betsy’s enthusiasm and detail of interest in the subject matter, and it doesn’t directly bother me, however she does or does not limit her interest.
Denigrating me or others for expressing an interest by politely asking questions on family friendly subject matter, for example, does bother me. Some, like Coldfacts, are adept at ignoring what they don’t want to answer here, which is not remotely near so demeaning as refusing to acknowledge a question made in person. As a duly licensed armchair psychologist, I could opine as to why a person would choose to lash out in answer to a question they label “ridiculous” and say they won’t answer, but I would just be stating the obvious.
Oh please, I never “flamed” you, and you have no right to call my love for Slew a fixation. How dare you play armchair psychologist? I don’t deserve this.
Obviously you become offended easily,which is demonstrated in many of your posts. “I don’t deserve this”, door swings both ways when trashing an upright trainer with a moral compass as John Shirreffs,which you’ve done more than once.
Wish Buckpasser could enjoyed a longer life.
So many great horses died young
Yes, way too many.
Steve and company…..I nearly forgot about something I put together as a 16 year old in 1975, while sitting thru Novel class as a high school junior! Whenever the novel was something I could not get through I would open my pee-chee and work on my “Greatest Race Ever” project, my opus to the sport of kings—12 horses, with odds that included 15 % take out…as well as pace options, all figured by amounts of tiny pieces of paper tossed into a large hat—
My wager was Exterminator, across the board (36-1), and exacta boxed with Secretariat (2.60 favorite) and Swaps (6.30 4th choice)…..
2nd fave was Man O War (3.10) 3rd choice Citation (4.40)…..
Winner was Buckpasser, paying $27.40, the surprise was in a race that included Dr Fager and Swaps, it was Man O War that set the pace, leading inside the 1/16 pole, headed by Secretariat on the outside ( by a head), Buckpasser came up the rail and won by 3/4 going away, Secretariat never saw him…Buckpasser having rallied inside to win the 1967 Malibu, passing nine horses in the stretch….
I wish I kept that 1975 work-up, it was real thourough…I was hooked on this sport way back…..
Ah, the memories of youth. I guess Buckpasser didnt need a rabbit in this field
Hedever wan not given an invitation!
Wish Buckpasser could enjoyed a longer life.
Broodmare Sire par excellence. Great loss, early.
Love it! You were a true scholar.
I’d like to offer another comparison to Essential Quality that differs a bit from the comparison that Steve made with Buckpasser. I’ve indicated some items of comparison with an asterisk.
NATIVE DANCER was undefeated as a two-year-old* in 1952, and he was named the best of his division*. The following year he raced 10 times (from April to August), and his only loss was in the Kentucky Derby* when he came up short by a head as the clear favorite*. Both of his wins in the Preakness and the Belmont* were by a neck.
After Native Dancer’s win in the Belmont Stakes, his trainer was quoted as saying, “He doesn’t win in a flashy sort of way, but he keeps on winning.”*
He won the Travers against a small field*, and he was named the best 3-year-old (*?) of 1953.
Steve replied somewhere that Native Dancer was also being considered as analogue to Essential Quality’s winning margins for this article … I really take the comparison as just an alluring technique to lobby seeing the son of Tapit next year running in weighty races.
Native Dancer won the prestigious American Derby after the Travers. This Derby was the richest race for 3-year-old horses only behind the TC prizes. It is run continuously on the lawn since 1992 …
The last great horses winning the 1 1/8 mile of American Derby were precisely Buckpasser (by a neck in 1:47) and Damascus (by 7 lengths over In Reality in 1:46.80).
For Damascus the American Derby came before his legendary 22 length-win in the Travers.
You knew that the sole mention of the “Grey Ghost of Sagamore” would make me run down memory lane …
My apologies to Sheila. I missed her comment about Native Dancer and Steve’s reply. Just found it.
Yes, Native Dancer was being considered, having beaten Jamie K. is photos several times. Talking abut the 67 American Derby watch for Monday’s column
Cool!
Of course I was thinking about you as I wrote about the Grey Ghost. When researching his record, I was surprised to see that the purse of the ’53 Travers was a paltry $27k. Heck! The Withers was $32k.
The Travers is way better at 1.25 million now … but the Withers’ purse after adjustment for inflation should be around $310K and not 250K… quite close though !
Even the early 70’s hundred granders were fairly rare…really makes one appreciate horses that made a million, the Kelso, the Round Tables, lots of graded stakes….
That’s right Matthew… makes us admire even more those old timers making a huge amount of followers by running frequently and longer.
In these modern days of racing the petro-dollars allow your horse to win Millions in one race …. good or bad I don’t know…
Somewhere someone has made a database that shows all thoroughbreds’ earnings at current dollar value. Equibase should provide that information, too.
Steve I must confess that your thought-provoking note made me look into the meanings of greatness specially in this era of abbreviated racing careers.
In the last 70 years there have been only five (5) horses named champions at ages of 2, 3 and 4: Native Dancer, Buckpasser (Champion older horse by Turf and Sport Digest and the Thoroughbred Racing Association), Seattle Slew, Affirmed and Spectacular Bid. They aced the test of time to earn the mantle of true Greatness… so, your call for Essential Quality to go through the ranks of the all-time greats by just running next year is more than justifiable.
You can accuse me of being a little nostalgic but the decisions to extend the campaigns of California Chrome and Gun Runner somehow made me feel like returning to the Golden Age of racing.
Thanks to their talent, consistency and durability both California Chrome and Gun Runner have a good chance to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after year 2022.
Putting nostalgia aside and looking back to just learn practical lessons, we can reckon that Gun Runner became way more expensive stallion after his 4-year-old campaign…
The Triple Crown Champion and Horse of the Year American Pharoah promptly earned his Hall of Fame throne after his record setting win in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. He did more than enough to confirm his greatness albeit not running as a four-year old.
I am not sure if Justify with his Triple Crown can be listed as an all-time-great though… but this will be for the Historic Review Committee to decide.
Fans were indulged with Frosted winning the mile of the Metropolitan Handicap logging an eyepopping 92 3/5 seconds in his four-year old campaign. That dazzling display also helped improve his value as Stallion.
Essential Quality will have to win the BCC to bolster his journey to Greatness. Many expert handicappers have Knicks Go winning the momentous race; but I believe that the distance and an eventual pace pressure by horses like Medina Spirit, Midnight Bourbon, Hot Rod Charlie or even perhaps from Life is Good, will play in favor of Essential Quality and against Knicks Go.
Assuming that Essential Quality has already done enough to earn the 3-year-old Championship then attempting a third championship will definitely make him member of the most exclusive club.
“Essential Quality to run next year” is the headline we wish to read after the Breeder’s Cup … if it happens, we will have to thank you for another glimpse at the Golden Age…!
Nelson, CC and GR are locks for HOF for sure.
Thanks Mike for your reply ! You are right… I should have shown more confidence in the statement…!
Nelson, your comments were great! Only stating the obvious and Chrome is one of three of my all time fav list.
Nelson, I would agree with your assessment of the forthcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic. Knicks Go won’t be waltzing out in front unchallenged and, moreover, many of the 3 year olds you mentioned above are not distance challenged at 10f. which Knicks Go certainly could be.
Yes Davids… the BCC won’t be anything similar to the Whitney Stakes where Knicks Go was the sole speed.
But many are impressed by that performance and project he will be equally successful in the 1 1/4 of the BCC… Charlatan may have something to say about it…LOL
Max Player’s triumph in the Jockey Club Gold Cup would not be cheered by the connections of Knicks Go either. Pressure, pressure!!
It’s getting crowded at the top of the heap.
Don’t miss the Irish Champion Stakes at Leoprdstown, September 11. Depending on who runs, it could be the best race this year. Allez, St Mark’s Basilica!!
Del Mar’s configuration and situation can grossly favor some runners over others. Note the results in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup races.
Thanks for the reminder about next Saturday’s race. I’ve got a deadline in two days, after which I can do some catching up.
Horses for courses. I expect Knicks Go will be happy with the configuration, if nothing else. There’s still a lot to happen before the field is final and sets limits on speculating. I would like to see a rematch between Essential Quality and Midnight Bourbon sometime down the road, but I don’t think the BCC is a likely time or place for it. Del Mar is so different enough to put many off their feed.
Hi Nelson, all great points. Yes Chrome and Gun Runner are headed to the HOF. I believe Chrome was kept in training because they knew the breeders would not support him with his pedigree. Gun Runner might have stayed in training to accomplish the things he might have accomplished with Arrogate. Justify likely will get in the HOF because of the Triple Crown, but will never be considered an all-time great with so few starts and no real wow performances. EQ has a lot to do to be considered an all-time great, but he can if he stays in training and keeps winning big races. Remember, we no longer have weight as a gauge for greatness, so they better do something extraordinary. The only all-time greats we’ve had this century have been fillies IMO.
Steve, regarding Justify’s chances of eventually being in the HOF: Perhaps as the best horses continue to race with less frequency, voters will someday look more kindly at a TC winner that was undefeated in just six races. It may take time, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility.
I should add that my comment applies also to a consideration of greatness. And I realize that you did say that Justify getting in the HOF is “likely.”
No chance Justify makes it after the scopolamine scandal
Agree on all your points Steve. Who does not love Azeri, Ashado, ZENYATTA, RACHEL ALEXANDRA and Goldikova. I thought that Havre de Grace was in the HOF but it turns out she has not been inducted…
I totally understand the distinction you are making between being a HOF and all-time great. Horse racing historians can spot greatness miles away…
Greatness is achieving extraordinary things consistently and long enough to fill at least one glorious page of the history book… and it is never forgotten.
And Beholder and Songbird another great mares to be inducted pretty soon…
Hey, Nelson. Who is on the Historic Review Committee? Are you the chairman? I’d like to serve on it if I can attend by Zoom. Agree with all you said. As for the Classic, it’s 2 months away. I’ll bet you $5 that something will happen between now and then to dramatically alter our current perceptions. File this away! 🙂
Hi Eddie F… as of 2018 here is what I found:
“The museum’s Historic Review Committee is chaired by Michael Veitch and includes Edward L. Bowen, Allan Carter, Jane Goldstein, Ken Grayson, Steve Haskin, Jay Hovdey, Carl Nafzger, Mary Simon, John von Stade, and Gary West. ”
Steve may answer your question with more certainty though! and he may give you references for the job.
Regarding changes before the BCC… Nothing big will happen in two months… as things were consistent since the BC Juvenile… you may thank running the Stakes without Lasix for this kind of sustainability…
Hope I am not opening a can of worms here…!
Thanks for the info, Nelson. At the HOF site, I found this: “Thoroughbreds become eligible when five calendar years have elapsed between their final racing year and their year of nomination. Thoroughbreds remain eligible between five and 25 calendar years following their final racing year. Thoroughbreds retired for more than 25 calendar years become eligible through the Historic Review Committee.” So it’s very much like the several baseball committees that consider players who have lost their original eligibility for the baseball HOF.
I am writing down your “Nothing big will happen in two months” declaration. I’ll be adding my $5 winnings to my commission payments.
14 for the Del Mar Derby…..Del Mar stakes have had bigger fields than Saratoga stakes in 2021, hats off to their ship and win promotion, they really tried to put out a better product, in the face of a difficult political atmosphere.
I cant remember seeing so many small fields at Saratoga. Quality yes, but small
An extremely tough meet to find value bets.
I just read through all the comments on this post Steve. You are not only a superb, provocative columnist, you attract smart, thoughtful comments. Love the personalities (even you Coldfacts) and the deep racing and breeding knowledge reflected here. I am so thankful for this community.
Here’s a thought for a future column: how do you rank Buckpasser, Dr Fager, and Damascus in the pantheon of greats? I saw all three of them race (on TV, being well under 21 at the time). You will probably say there is no way to compare them, even though they did race against each other. Personally, I didn’t think there was any way Damascus could ever beat Buckpasser as he did in the 1967 Woodward — but then I was only 13, and Buckpasser, an extraordinary horse, was at the end of his career and I realized much later, was smart enough to have wised up about the demands of racing. The Doc was absolutely brilliant at 3, and achieved greatness at 4.
Thank you very much. We do have a great group here. With only one other website left that still has comments I wish more people would come here and participate
Youre right I cant rank them other than to say Buckpasser was No. 1 at 2, Damascus No. 1 at 3 and Dr. Fager No. 1 at 4. Buckpasser, as great as he was, never had anything close to a Damascus and Dr. Fager to run against…or even an In reality. But what a great 3 years they provided taking over from Kelso
For sure, Buckpasser was special.
Buckpasser wasn’t too shabby at 3, either. But you could say the same for Doc and Damascus at any point in their respective careers. It’s quite a feat when a racehorse consistently wins over a long skein of races or multiple years. Kelso, I’m thinking of you.
Flightline, returns to the racetrack at Del Mar race 8, 6f. this Sunday. Excitement, plus+
Cant wait
Flightline, to unleash a ‘sonic boom’ Sunday while scattering the opposition. Dreaming.
Escape Route may have something to say about that! A shrewd claim by Glatt. If ER loses, well…something’s not kosher. 😉
Good luck with Escape Route. I’m only hoping that Flightline turns out to be half the runner his impression gave in his initial start. I’ve seen too many ‘wunderkinds’ falter at the next hurdle. Being positive, always helps.
Indeed. We see them every year. And we also see the ones who achieve their early promise. That’s part of what makes the game so exciting.
Who said Pegasus was fictional? Some horse? Flightline is for real.
It DOES help……to have evidence when to say a horse “only goes as fast as they need to”…..these horses are usually not the kind that likes to be in front without seeing the herd……
We can say EQ does this…..but it is just a guess…….
Medina Spirit on the other hand is really a horse that idles on the lead….his ears go straight up….if he can see the horse, he is fine……if he cant see another, he slows down……he has done many things like change to right lead too early turning for home, etc…..
Everyone wants to say horses that do this are “FIGHTERS WITH HUGE HEART”…….but its just that they are taking a rest, until they see the other horse………Medina is much faster than he ran…..he had more left…..
I would rate him off the lead, but bob sure loves the lead……like i said, if he can see the other horse, its fine……
But what if the other speed behind quits?……he is vulnerable to getting nailed late….
You put that “only goes as fast as they need to” in quotes. Just curious. Where did you get that quote from and who said it?
You can try to discredit, mock, question what i said…….
The POINT……WAS many just say a horse goes as fast as needed to win……people can say anything….
Having the “ears up” is factual proof that supports that a horse idles, pulls themselves up, plays, etc……
Medina spirit does this……..EQ some think he does this……
PS…….i’m right
Of course youre right. Being you mentioned factual proof, What races in particular have Medina Spirit and EQ won by narrow margins with their ears up?
Are you serious?…….you havent seen Medina put his ears up?……..you think i’m wrong?………ok…..look at the robert lewis……he idled before the stretch…..he even went to his wrong lead…..he did this because he was idling…..he came back on and held them off because he idled on turn…..he had alot left……this is who he is…….horses tend to get better with racing…..better at keeping mind on business.
Why do people think he has won these races?….when he looked like he was going to get swallowed up?……he looked like he would get beat in most of his wins……..
This horse is very very odd……he really idles…..alot……
The quote – ‘A horse doesn’t win by much’ is more applicable than ‘Doing just enough to win’
Interestingly many are of the opinion that Essential Quality fits perfectly into the category of horse that doesn’t win by much. But the cold facts reflect Hot Rod Charlies as being the top 5 colt to which this is applicable, with Medina Spirit running 2nd. See Below:
Hot Rod Charlies has scored 3 wins from 10 starts if his Haskell DQ is ignored”
MSW by a NK
LA Derby by 2L
Haskell by a NK
Average win margin 0.75L
Medina Spirit has scored 4 wins from 8 starts
MSW by a 3L
Bob Lewis by NK
Kentucky Derby by 1/2L
Awesome Again by 1 1/4L
Average win margin 1.18L
Essential Quality has scored 8 wins from 9
MSW by a 4L
Breeder Futurity 3 1/4L
Southwest 4 1/4L
Belmont by 1 1/4L
Four other wins by a combined of 1 1/2L
Average win margin 1.78L
“Medina Spirit on the other hand is really a horse that idles on the lead”
He was on the lead in the Preakness. He was blown away by 5 1/2L. Was that performance due to him idling on the lead? What does MS do when he doesn’t have the lead? Idle in front of those he is ahead of.
“his ears go straight up….if he can see the horse, he is fine”
San Felipe beaten by 8L
SA Derby beaten by 4 1/2L
Preakness beaten by 5 1/2L
What was the positioning of his ears or did he contest the above races without them? Did he see the opponents that defeated him in the above races and was fine with being blown of the track?
Love your last two lines, CF.
You’d rate MS off the lead? He’s lost every race in which he was rated.
But congrats for an insult-free post. Keep it up!
lol
Yes…..i didn’t stutter……i would rate any horse that does this………it is the right thing to do……..Bob always loves being in front….
You of course will say he won on the lead……yes……he saw the horses…….
Translation please.
But he HASN’T won the races in which he was behind the leader(s): Sham, San Felipe, SA Derby.
VET thats a bold statement….Medina seems to do better when he gets to the front, he chased and lost and he set and won…..he gives himself a breather when he gets to the front, Velasquez sends him every time, but he will need other tactics, if Knicks Go and/or Life Is Good make the Classic. In that case, Bob needs to start getting him to settle and wait behind horses, would be interesting to see if he does that for his prep, as yhe saying goes never underestimate the Derby winner!
No, its not a bold statement……he pretty much never has clear long lead……he has seen his comp. pretty much every race……..
This is about all horses that do this……
There was a race he took lead, and idled so much he went to wrong lead….i think that was the one when he came back on to win……everyone called him brave…..i say its that he took a rest…..he had more in the tank…..
Yes he idles on the lead. And yes he has more in the tank. But he still have to be game to hold off horses who look him in the eye.
Thank you Steve for your eloquent race horse narrative. Some of us old timers remember the great Buckpasser….a consistent choice in the top 15 of the all time greats….finished ahead of the great Dr. Fager but couldn’t quite finish ahead of the great Damascus in races if I recall….beat also the Niarkos, Pretense etc…
Buckpasser appeared to me to win races using a methodical, businesslike process.
Sure, Essential Quality won the Jim Dandy and the Travers but both races were without Grade 1 winners outside of EQ.
And for that reason I’m not quite going to put Essential Quality in the same league as Buckpasser. Instead, he reminds me of Lava Man at this stage.
I never put him in the same league as Buckpasser and the number of grade 1 winners he beat has nothing to with how he wins his races. That was my only comparison. I dont put him in the same league as anyone right now with only 9 starts, certainly not Buckpasser
I’m taking a shot at putting an end to the “EQ didn’t beat any G1 winners in the Jim Dandy and Travers” canard. Well, putting an end to it at the Haskin blog anyway. I’ll start with a question. What G1 winners was EQ supposed to beat? The races were open to all 3 year olds. I’ll tell you the answer. They are nowhere.
I’ll be generous and include the 2yo season in this list of G1 winners of this crop; that is, those who you think EQ should have defeated:
2000
Del Mar Futurity: Dr. Schivel
Now a sprinter
Hopeful: Jackie’s Warrior
Now a sprinter
American Pharoah: Get Her Number
Four consecutive OOTM finishes since the American Pharoah
Breeders Futurity: Essential Quality
Champagne: Jackie’s Warrior
See above
BC Juvenile: Essential Quality
2001
Florida Derby: Known Agenda
OOTM in Ky Derby & Belmont; now retired
Santa Anita Derby: Rock Your World
OOTM in the Ky Derby & Belmont; then 2nd in a 1m ungraded stakes on Sunday
Arkansas Derby: Super Stock
OOTM in 2 nongraded stakes and a win in an ungraded stakes 2.5 weeks ago
Kentucky Derby: Medina Spirit
Third in Preakness, then an ungraded 1m stakes win on Sunday
Preakness: Rombauer
Third in Belmont Stakes; last workout 7/9
Belmont: Essential Quality (defeated Preakness winner Rombauer, Florida Derby winner Known Agenda, and Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World)
Haskell: Hot Rod Charlie (DQ) / Mandaloun
Mandaloun not currently in training
Travers: Essential Quality
So…EQ has won four G1 stakes. All of the others won one G1 race. They are (a) not in training, (b) have been racing to avoid EQ,
or have gone south in form. I rest my case.
Sorry, that should be 2020 and 2021. I accidentally took a ride in the wayback machine.
I’m not one who has ever used a duck in discussing Essential Quality, of Gallic or otherwise, EddieF. But I do appreciate your taking the time to marshal the evidence.
Thanks! And a hearty Ha ha ha!
Solid Eddie! Good going!
Thanks, Mike. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. 🙂
Lol
Great stuff, Eddie. Thank you
Got it. Sure, the column is about Essential Quality. Got that and is a great read. But Medina Spirit has beaten the same Grade 1 winners as EQ…Rock Your World twice and Known Agenda. MS has also beaten two other Grade 1 winners that EQ didn’t….Super Stock and Mandaloun.
And by the way MS has beaten EQ in their only head to head.
Finally, the BC is held at Del Mar this which Medina Spirit just won and not at Saratoga which just might be the difference in the Classic.
The Classic? “That’s too far ahead to plan,” as Ilsa said to Rick in “Casablanca.” 🙂
MS is talented, but EQ is unfairly underrated by some whose knowledge wouldn’t fill an eyedropper.
John,
See comment below.
The Haskell was a tougher race than the Jim Dandy….The Haskell was a tougher field than The Travers….Louisiana Derby tougher than Bluegrass…..Belmont got a perfect set up…..I can say Essential Quality is a very good horse AND he has been fortunate the way the races have played out—can say both—
Matthew, you’re right. Mandaloun is the best of the bunch. 😉 But seriously, we can argue about race “toughness” until we’re black and blue in the face. My post, though, was very specifically about the “G1 competition” arguments that we see here (and there) quite often.
I don’t know about best of the bunch…he’s probably the most valuable of the bunch, the highest insurance premium….
I don’t understand your sarcasm.
I rarely understand it myself. But in this case, I sensed you might have a preference for HRC, the winner of your aforementioned LA Derby and Haskell (albeit a DQ in the latter); therefore, the joke about Mandaloun who was in both races.
Oh no, I’ll be clear—Essential Quality is #1—but I’m reading the Eclipse Award is already over—I’m saying Essential has had a nice smooth year—has avoided the big guys for the most part and when he has faced them he was out of the money in Louisville, and the Belmont was gifted to him via the scorching pace battle—I WANT to see him beat Hot Rod and Medina on the square, in the Classic, and wish Mandaloun would be there–but at least Mandaloun will be back next year, or he SHOULD be back next year—I hope they all come back at four.
OK. I got ya. I disagree, though, about a few points. How has EQ avoided “the big guys”? He’s raced in the BCJ, the Ky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and the Travers. With the possible exception of the Preakness, those are the four biggest races for this crop. Are you critical of the connections for their choices of the Blue Grass and Jim Dandy for their horse’s PREP races? Would it have mattered if EQ instead ran in the G1 Arkansas Derby, which SUPER STOCK won?
You describe EQ’s performance in the KD as simply “running out of the money.” We all know he didn’t have the best of trips, yet he was fourth by a length in what was the closest 4-horse finish in the history of the Kentucky Derby. As for Charlie, he and EQ have already raced against each other three times. EQ is ahead so far in that matchup.
Maybe EQ did benefit from a great trip in the Belmont, but not all horses win when they get that advantage. You can hardly call a horse that has won 8 of 9 races as lucky.
Agree Eddie! All I know is to date only one race he didn’t prevail. He’s the genuine article.
Nicely done, Eddie F! Essential Quality is a lovely horse, and deserving 3YO champion off his current achievements. Hope both he and Knicks Go are in top form for the Classic.
You must remember this . . .
Thanks, Ms. B. Here’s looking at you!
Wow …! Eddie F you are ready to pass the BAR exam… you did not let this case to drag too long !
Ha! I can’t waste time. I’m your agent!
Hi Steve!
‘Bloody good’ piece of writing (if it’s okay to borrow some straight to- lingo from across the pond) .. Aside from catchy phrasing, I often question if there’s a big gap in values (An example, I don’t believe an Arlington Park present situation would see the light of day in the UK, for one).
You’re right on, Steve.
What are we doing when we take ourselves too seriously ! — to the detriment of the REAL Reason for which we are lucky enough to be involved in this world of horses racing, from what seems far far from simple in the conception of a breeding union to the honest care and athletic trainingand to the so important ‘Aftercare’. To paraphrase a good friend, known as a Diva (yes, a capital ‘D’) in the Opera world (not so far removed from Thoroughbreds — just look at Nijinsky II): ‘When we look into the eyes of another soul, and if we don’t see ourselves, then something’s wrong ; Can we all just get along?’ I’m with you, as comes with knowing where we came from/how ‘this’ started/for whom and why are we really here ~~ history and truth are lost in the crowd that is here to prop themselves in ‘being right’.
Your readers do not overstate the quality of your work! Chock full of fascinating details — You are able to bring to light the soul residing within these beauties and the relationships that grow out of being fully involved or attached through the tv screen or a page of writing .. (Slightly off subject, I’m thinking how many horse lovers would follow auto racing; I suspect very few, but maybe if cars could be ‘juiced’, then we’d all be much happier)
So much is brought to mind, but mainly I want to Thank you for your consistently eye opening and heart warming articles .. and I see positivity coming – through your persistence and your truly relatable writing !
Cheerio!
Wow! You have left me speechless, Kara. That was so kind of you so eloquent…and so British. Thank you very much. That is why the best programs on PBS and Netflix are British. And you are so right in everything you say. BTW, England is one of my favorite places on earth. I havent been there in a long time and miss it very much. Been to several Deribys and Royal Ascots and a number of the smaller (fun) tracks. Visited Mill Reef and Grundy at National Stud, wrote a column for Sporting Chronicle, and the was the American representative for Stud and Stable magazine back when that was the leading racing magazine. My wife and I stayed at a place called Fifehead Manor in Middle Wallup and slept in Lady Godiva’s bedroom Lol. My wife swears she visited us in the middle of the night. Anyway, thank you again for this wonderful post. Hope to hear from you again.
Now on my bucket list: staying in Lady Godiva’s room at Fifehead Manor.
Ask for Room #1. Thats where the ghost is.
LOL. Thanks. I hope Peeping Tom isn’t in Room #2 (Strike that…Who cares if he is?) 🙂
The assessment that Essential Quality just does enough to win isn’t entirely accurate. The closest opponents (HRC, Highly Motivated, Keepmeinmind and Midnight Bourbon were extremely resolute and deserve credit for their part in the close finishes..
MSW won by 4L
Keeneland Breeder Futurity – won by 3 1/2L
Southwest won by 4 1/2L
Buckpasser won by 4 and by 7. Affirmed won by 5, 6, 8, and 10. So what? What’s your next complaint? Try reading other people’s comments once in a while and keep something to block it from going in one ear and out the other. But I realize you enjoy your role as an antagonist. So keep going, No one pays much attention to you anyway. I ignored you at Bloodhorse and being you have followed me here with the same attitude I’ll have to take similar measures. I enjoy friendly debate but you never stick around to debate, you just run and hide every time. Stay negative, It fits you. These are the last words I waste on you. You can ignore them as usual.
My premise is he’s miserable and hates himself. Don’t see any other scenario which fits.
He’s not worth any further discussion.
Agreed!
CONTRARIAN…………if you say he enjoys winning by daylight…….the response would be the opposite…..
I get it Coldfacts, EQ’s not in your favor, like every horse you manage to undercut.
He has never liked a horse in about 18 years ive read his tripe….trope…..rope……dope……
Agreed!
Steve – Regardless of some of the replies, your comparison of the two horses strictly on the basis of their winning margins is spot on! And in fact you could also compare EQ to another all time great favorite of yours and mine, Dr, Fager, in terms of his refusal to let another horse pass him once he gets in the lead! Best, Dave
Thanks Dave. There are people who read something and get it and people who dont. I cant do anything about those who dont. I’m just glad they are in the minority. Lol
Totally agree, Dave!
Absolutely agree. And in EQ’s 9 races, NOT ONE horse has passed him in the stretch.
We should be all careful labeling the views/opinions of other as absurd. The definition of absurdity is broad could be applicable to just about any post without objectivity.
The opinion below was from the previous Blogg – A Biased, But Dynamic, Analysis of the Travers
“I really believe Dynamic One can win the Travers.”
Was the above opinion considered absurd at the time of reading? Does such an opinion satisfy the definition of absurdity – a thing that is extremely unreasonable, so as not taken seriously.
Lets see what the cold facts reflect:
Dynamic One finished 31 1/4L behind Essential Quality in the KD. He also finished 24L behind Midnight Bourbon an Keepmeinmind. His best opponent in his return win in the Unlisted Curlin Stakes emerged as a last out MSW winner retuning from 8 months between starts.
One race removed from a 32 1/4L drubbing in the KD and win his return race over last out MSW winner, is hardy the credentials of a likely Travers winner, with the burden of erasing 31 & 24 lengths deficits involving 3 opponents
The above opinion could have been reasonably ranked as extremely unreasonable and not to be taken seriously i.e., absurd. But I would never in a million years apply such a ranking. On any given Saturday strange and even miraculous results can occur. This is why the winner of a race is confirmed only after the official sign is posted.
No supporter of Steve Haskin’s would dare refer to any of his opinions as absurd. But there is no hesitation to label the opinions of some of his supporters as same. Fidelity and joy in the presence of the other is also good for the goose and good for the gander. But fidelity is born out of mutual respect and joy cannot be legislated.
With regard to Dynamic One, Steve was entitled to his opinion if only foundation of on a dream. But as the the great poem ‘IF” by Rudyard Kipling states – one can dream but but shouldn’t make dreams ones master.
Dynamic One lost? Wow, how did I blow that? How could he lose if I picked him? Thank you for pointing that out. I will try to pick only winners from now on.
Good luck on getting response from him Mr. Haskin, he always holds grudges. lol
He never responds, which is why I have no respect for him. He’s like a little kid who calls you a name and then runs away.
Yes and when I’m civil to him-same result. Never fails!
I do not understand what your point is here. It is a horse race and most folks usually pick more losers then winners.
If there are 10 races on a card and I am lucky enough to pick 3 winners that day (30% clip) then I would consider myself very fortunate.
Everyone knew EQ was the horse to beat but I wouldn’t bet him either at those odds. Even the Exacta paid almost nothing so I think Steve made an educated guess on the race. I’ve done that a 1000 times and lost.
So what, who cares. Why do you always act like your holier then thou. Steve has a darn good track record when it comes to picking winners. His assessments have helped me a lot through the years.
Your blog was mean and uncalled for, shame on you………
Steve my above response was meant for Coldfacts
That’s way too many words to waste on him. But thanks. Lol.
Amen to that, brother.
Baseball Hall of Famers make out 70% of the time…..best handicappers lose 70% of the time…..a guy bets on a longshot for the PRICE—- when I bet against Essential Quality I still think Essential is going to win…..I bet against Zenyatta all the time, too!
Talking to the wall. He doesnt hear you. I thought for a while I had gotten rid of him after all these years, but no such luck
That’s it in a nutshell, Matthew. The Thumbs Up emoji doesn’t work here, so…..THUMBS UP.
Thank you but count me as one who reads and enjoys Coldfacts’s posts…he is the epitome of a contrairion..One of these days he will tell us all who a good horse is….was Zenyatta good? I mean she came from far behind every time, and had a nervous habit where she scratched the ground constantly—was SHE a good horse?
One of you has never hit the board in 18 years of derby selections……..one has picked many…………
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have a horse in the Hall of Fame like his brother does?” I like your angle, Steve. If all else fails, bring up the universal sibling rivalry perspective! Especially in this circumstance with Godolphin. Who doesn’t seem to be financially hurting with its worldwide successful runners. But I’m on the outside looking in. Godolphin is faced with the difficult question: do we play it safe and retire him after his 3-year old year or run him as a 4-year old? How about letting him answer the question. Stay out of his way and let him tell us all.
Steve, I’ll bet you never thought that THIS column would bring out such a spectacle of absurdities. Thanks for the look at Buckpasser and describing how he and Essential Quality share the quality of winning only by as much as they had to. I’m content to simply appreciate the best of each year’s thoroughbreds and the excitement of their races. As for EQ competing next year…don’t worry. I’ve sent an email to Godolphin and explained why it’s in THEIR interest and the industry’s interest to keep their best runners in training well beyond the 3yo season. I am sure it will have an impact. 😉
It amazes me that some people actually believe I am comparing EQ to Buckpasser as racehorses in general and not just one aspect, which in this case happens to be how they win their races. One is an all-time great and one has run 9 times, so you would think its obvious thats where the comparison ends.
Let me know if you get a reply. I correspond a lot with Jimmy Bell of Godolphin by text and we’ve had some good conversations in person. I told him I had a column up on EQ and for the first time he never responded. Is that a sign he wasnt crazy about my wishes for EQ? Lol
Maybe Jimmy switched his cellphone service to Boost Mobile.
Do people still send telegrams these days?
What’s a telegram?
A song by T. Rex attributed to Sam.
Morning Mr. EddieF,
I trust I find you well. I have taken the liberty to committing your quote below to memory for future usage:
‘Spectacle of absurdities.’
There will always be disagreements regarding the views/opinions shared in these forums. One can never be certain when a view/opinion will bed deemed absurd. Since there are no objective measures for absurdity, the classification become one of perception. It’s just like trash. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. One mane perceived absurdity is another man’s provocative disclosure.
These forums provide an opportunity for divergent views within the bounds respect and decency. Whist I do not agree with all views, I do not classify any as absurd. That would be extremely rude of me. since I have never ben appointed arbitrator of what should be classified as absurd.
A particular blogg can receive posts that are not directly related to the theme but not unrelated. There are only so many posts that will represent an endorsement of the contents of the Blogg. But there are no rules that spin offs issue are not allowed.
An absurdity is a thing that is extremely unreasonable, so as to be foolish or not taken seriously. I can find no post on this blog
that rises to the level of the aforementioned definition. In the end they are all just the views to be disagreed with but not to be
labeled as one sees fit.
A friend from high school, who is now somewhat famous, wrote a short poem in those bygone days that I have never forgotten.
I took the “s” from “absurd” today,
It became “aburd”
And flew away.
Interesting exercise for our memory. Comparisons usually stir a myriad of confronting opinions but here the call is simply trying to look for other great 3-year-old horses with just a similar Running Style to Essential Quality’s.
Old videos of Buckpasser show him taking the measure and dominating his rivals in the last 200 yards. Essential Quality displays the same kind of authority when it counts (i.e., coming to the finish line). Even the first and second calls in at least 7 races of Buckpasser before the Travers seem to be comparable to those of Essential Quality.
Buckpasser and Essential Quality were always close to the frontrunners coming to the home stretch. However, the son of Tapit is so sharp out of the gate and agile that he can control the main speed with ease.
Remembering other brilliant horses, I see Silver Charm’s running style to be somehow similar to Essential Quality’s. I draw parallels between the way the Derby victor passed Free House in many of their matches and the way Essential Quality has defeated fast horses like Highly Motivated, Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon.
Both grey champions were very successful tracking frontrunners.
Noting the way Essential Quality finishes his races one can only conclude that we have not seen his best yet. That is why not few people second Steve’s appeal to let Essential Quality show his real potential as a 4-year-old.
At least, the Dubai World Cup seems like a natural main target for Godolphin; but if Essential Quality is named the 2021 Horse of the Year he then “won’t have anything else to prove”. He will be too valuable to risk serious injury at the track…
Perhaps Essential Quality is destined for greatness in the Breeding field but as far as I am concerned saying his name will be always welcomed with amazement and reverence.
It’s not so much running style as it is how they win their races by doing just what they have to and by the same margins. Buckpasser’s running style could vary depending on whether he had a rabbit and size of field. But in general he llked to come from well out of it with a late run.
Silver Charm had the same will to win, but he liked to be close to the pace and never was asked to come from far back.
The Dubai World Cup would be at least a start to a 4 year old campaign, especially with the loss of Mystic Guide. But who knows what they’ll do with Maxfield, who needs a big grade 1 for his resume. But this is the horse who still has an opportunity to be an all-time great if he can continue his run of victories through at least a half dozen starts at 4. Wouldnt it be nice for Sheikh Mo to have a horse in the Hall of Fame like his brother does.
Good race yesterday Rock vs Medina…Rock had his Jockey back ! A little more distance would have been key….throw out the Triple Crown series with different Joke….to be continued on this horse……
Median is a Digger….don’t give him the lead !….but he earned it and got it.
Sad to say …”to be continued on this horse” his racing days are numbered….as soon as owners justify his breeding right fees, after a few more stakes wins, they will retire him….he’s on track for sure for that scenario…
Steve….did you watch that race ? Umberto busy on him which he has always required for race interest…? More distance and his gallop out one again !
He is still too raw who is awful changing leads. I thought h would be more professional and polished by now, but he still ran like a horse who has a lot to learn. He has a big turn of foot on grass and needs to show that on dirt. But mostly he needs to mature and grow up. The talent is there.
Sadler wanted to see if he liked Del Mar…..they are staying on dirt!
He just needs to get rid of that awkwardness and learn how to change leads. Hopefully he’ll get his act together.
I get why they’re staying on dirt— on turf he’s a tweener, but would make a good turf miler….thats for next year, I guess…..he doesn’t change leads well and he changes back and forth— he IS a looker, and his frame will fill out—I only hope they don’t ask too much of him!
Yeah…If you throw out his bad efforts in the Ky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, RYW has a pretty good record. 🙂
Coldfacts, of course you won’t respond,but all I know is EQ has prevailed in EVERY RACE,BUT ONE. Btw, you would love to own him.
Loved this! To be compared to Buckpasser is high praise indeed. You gave him the respect he is due
which you backed up with statistics, that I swear only you know. The stats are there but you are the only
one who can pull them up in your mind after a race. You must gave a pretty impressive I.Q., Steve. I really
love this horse. He is underappreciated by other writers who darn him with faint praise and it annoys me
no end. The picture of him is sleeping is as sweet as it gets. I really hope he races at age 4 and your challenge is
out there to the Godolphin Group. Here is hoping they take you up on it.
“He is underappreciated by other writers who darn him with faint praise and it annoys me no end.”
You shouldn’t be surprised. Essential Quality was ranked at #1 for grant total of 2 of 18 weeks of the Derby Twelve. I was puzzled why the likes of Greatest Honor, Known Agenda and Rock Your World were ever ranked ahead of the 2YO Champion. My every request for justification was met with spin. Happily cream eventual rises to the top.
In some quarters Medina Spirit and Hot Rod Charlie are viewed as better colts. One supper of this space has Mandaloun as #1 in the division. It just goes to show the amount of unbridled emotions that exist in the analysis of thoroughbred performance. Folks will always spin cold fact to fit a certain narrative. This what makes these forums interesting.
We all strive to be correct 100 percent of the time like you, who has never misjudged a horse and then realized you were wrong. I didnt like his paddling action, but that obviously has not hurt him in the slightest. I will try to emulate you and your astute knowledge of horses better in the future. You also have the ability to nail it 99 percent of the time by liking nobody.
As indicated last week by me,he doesn’t like any horse. Also something.
Rather, always something.
Coldfacts, of course you won’t respond,but all I know is EQ has prevailed in EVERY RACE,BUT ONE. Btw, you would love to own him.
I think as the season goes on, things change. Steve always has very solid reasons
for his rankings at any given time.
The Travers was a great race to watch. EQ did not disappoint. Midnight Bourbon appears to be a very unlucky race horse.
He tries so hard every race so my heart goes out to him. All excellent assessments Steve, EQ has a chance to be extra special.
It would be hard for me to rate any horse racing today as an all time great. Mostly because they do not carry weight as they once did and the race times at these 8, 10 & 12 furlong races are are slow compared to the all greats.
These young horse racing fans should watch some video on Secretariat, Damascus, Dr. Fager, Spectacular Bid, Affirmed plus so many others.
The horses of yesteryear had stiff competition in almost every race, not the case today. Not in my mind at least.
Nevertheless EQ is a standout this season, I love to watch him run. He does have the grit of horses from the past.
I hope he races at 4 but I wouldn’t bet money that he will.
One quick assessment, I thought Mike Smith did not ride Life Is Good very well. Fractions were to fast, he gave Life Is Good what appeared to be a short breather at the 8th pole then came back on late but it was too late by then. Jackie’s Warrior is an excellent sprinter. I think Life Is Good wants more of a distance then 7 furlongs.
Gamine ran awesome, she is some fast horse.
All in all Steve your assessments are spot on.
Thanks Deacon, I sure dont, but if hes going to have any chance of it he would have to race at 4. No horse with 10 starts will ever be rated an all-time great. Who knows what this horse can accomplish next year
.
Ruffian’s 11th and last start really didn’t count.
It didnt? I never realized that.
Another great read, and yeah, you have to love a horse who knows where the finish line and does just as much as he has to. Those are the smart ones. A fun Travers this year to watch. I hope you’re right that they’ll at least take him through the Dubai world cup so we have a couple more races with him.
Thanks Nicole. I hope they go longer than the Dubai World Cup.
Thanks for this analysis of Essential Quality. Other than American Pharoah, I think you have to back to Easy Goer to find a 2YO Eclipse-winning colt who has looked this good at 3.
So many did little or nothing at three (Action This Day), some were unfortunately injured and promptly retired (Devil’s Bag),
some won a big race or two (Timber Country’s Preakness).
As you said, Essential Quality has the heart and mind to go with his speed and stamina. I sure hope your wish and ours comes true and Godolphin runs him another year. They need the glory more than the money.
Thats why you have to love him. Back in the day, most of the great 3-yea-olds wee either champion or top 2 year olds.
Too true– Three Triple Crown winners in the 70s, plus Riva Ridge and Foolish Pleasure, and plenty of other Hall of Fame horses: Of course Buckpasser, Nashua, Native Dancer, three more Triple Crown winners, back through Reigh Count and Man O’War all the way to Ben Brush and Domino. Race horses who proved their worth on the track time and time again.
And darn, I hope Midnight Bourbon gets a Grade 1 for himself soon! A beautiful Tiznow colt.
No one deserves it more considering all he’s been through
Indeed he does. I think you are spot on in characterizing Midnight Bourbon as coming into his own at about this time. I suspect he and Essential Quality could have run on trading punches for a while after the wire, but Essential Quality is still psychologically more advanced than Midnight Bourbon, at least for now. I was gratified to hear Gary Stevens say he thinks Midnight Bourbon will improve by being sent against older horses, after the Travers. I’d like to see him in another duel with Essential Quality, once he’s developed a bit more. Breeders Cup may be too soon, but if ours wishes for Essential Quality to continue racing next year are fulfilled, I expect we will see the two of them going at it again.
For sure!
OVER RATED
Ya know, even some people who think they are great are overrrated
For sure.
Pro, learn game!!!!!
Well, he certainly has had easy win opportunities all year….Blue Grass….Jim Dandy…..wins Travers well by a neck….I agree with you that he is not the SUPERSTAR Tom Amoss kept calling him on Saturday, he got a perfect set up in the Belmont—-his only real hard race this year he was out of the money…..he’s good he’s not great. Not yet.
EQ’s real deal! Race prior to Travers, he ran wide and prevailed.
You’re just saying that, pretending that only front running counts. Hot Rod Charlie and Medina Spirit are over rated.
The only similarities I can find between Essential Quality and Buckpasser are that by the time of their respective Travers victories both had been 2 yr. old champs, had won the vast majority of their races (E. Q- 8/9, Buckpasser-17/21,) and that the majority of their wins were by relatively small margins. But there, the similarities end. Steve, you contend that “…Essential Quality is Buckpasser with tactical speed.” This more than implies that Essential Quality is Buckpasser’s equal, or near-equal and having the added dimension of one with tactical speed, taken together this statement could easily be interpreted that E. Quality is indeed to superior to Buckpasser. Unlike you, I did witness Buckpasser in real time during his 2 and 3 yr. old racing seasons, and I can assure you and all your readers that there is NO COMPARISON between the two when it comes to racing quality-Buckpasser was by far the superior racehorse. And, as far as Essential Quality’s “tactical speed”, and Buckpasser’s supposed lack thereof, don’t for a second assume that Essential Quality possesses more brilliance (speed, whatever) than did Buckpasser. Buckpasser won multiple high quality stakes at sprint distances, E. Quality not one. And, I am, and always was (see my earlier posts) an admirer of Essential Quality, but you tarnish the greatness of Buckpasser when you compare him to the likes of an Essential Quality.
That’s what it implies? Seriously? All those comments and facts about Buckpasser are meaningless. Sorry, but no one needs a resume for Buckpasser. I saw all his races. You can interpret what I said anyway you like.
Well, what you say “IS” means, implies (within the context of your sentence)?
And, if “… no one needs a resume for Buckpasser.” why, pray tell, did you supply your version of one? (unless your “no one” meant just you).
Yes it means me. You still wish to interpret things your way and I’m not going to continue to reply to your nonsense, so this dialogue ends here.
Splitting hairs Sceptre.
That’d be a cool name for a race horse.
lol
Another horse from the bygone era that he reminds me of is Native Dancer. They’re both Gray and so far the only race that he has lost is the Kentucky Derby. Could we be looking at the reincarnation of the Gray Ghost?
I thought about Native Dancer, too. He also usually won by small margins and did just what he needed to do to win, especially against Jaimie K
Interesting comparison, Steve. I was just a smidgen too young to ever see Buckpasser live but the adoration is everlasting. Essential Quality gives the impression that he enjoys racing immensely and, moreover, thrills in the chase to impose his superiority.
Like most, Midnight Bourbon’s waltz on the lead was giving me a great deal of apprehension. Foolishly, there was no need for concern. Essential Quality, had measured the lead and what was required to catch and then defeat the opponent. Playfully, Essential Quality, teased Midnight Bourbon to the line but was in total control. Game over.
Sadly, I’d be surprised to see Essential Quality racing next year but the breeding shed can be just as exciting. Bernardini went to stud after his 3 year old campaign. Thanks Steve, for the interesting article. I always enjoy reading other aficionado’s thoughts on racing.
Thanks David. Your first paragraph says it all perfectly.
Bernardini going to stud before he could have embarked on a dazzling 4 year led campaign is still malpractice to me. Clearly Darley loved him and took wonderful care of him, and I’ll always appreciate it, but Godolphin deprived the sport and deprived the horse of the chance to see and do special things. EQ is not Bernardini, IMO, but he’s a fantastic racehorse and deserves the chance tipi accomplish a great deal more.
MANY horses aren’t in league of Bernardini.
Betsy, I’m not sure ‘malpractice’ is the right word but I appreciate your emotional annoyance with Bernardini going to stud early. Godolphine/Darley has been running as a business model for quite a while now, emulating the Coolmore model. Stud fees are the engine that generates the capacity so that the owner, and fans,are fortunate to watch ‘desired pleasure’ in racing at the highest.
Occasionally, an extra year of racing may be allowed but there are so many risks involved running such a valuable animal. Moreover, depreciation in value by a loss in a race can be substantial and injury, catastrophic.
I hope your ‘faith’ in Art Collector has been restored now? Bill Mott is reconstructing the horse in measured steps. The confidence in a Grade 1 win is growing. Let’s hope Tacitus will finally reach that mark as well.
Agreed!
It was very encouraging to see Art Collector show off some of his athletic ability at Charles Town, winning as easily and in the manner he did. I don’t know what the switch in barns actually means to the horse, whether he was just feeling stale or what, but it seems clear it was the right thing for Lunsford to do. I hope Tom Drury will continue to get opportunities with high class horses.
Tacitus appears to have suffered a minor setback in his return from what was probably getting cast in his stall at Meydan. With the way the handicap division is starting to shape up, for him to get that G1W is probably going to take something unexpected happening.
Tacitus was entered in the Lure Stakes (T) about a month ago now, no doubt in the hope that rain would come so the race would be moved on to the dirt. The rain never came.
I would say the Woodward Stakes and/or Clark Stakes are prime targets.
Your targets are well chosen, except Tacitus came out of a workout on 8/15/21 with a stone bruise, according to an HRN denizen, at least. If it keeps him out of training any longer, it will likely be too late for the Woodward. He’s never been off like this, so a prep race may be a good plan for him.
They could just stop and wait for the ‘big races’ early next year. Meanwhile, the most exciting colt in the US, Flightline, returns to racing this Sunday at Del Mar in race 8, 6f. Don’t blink or you might miss the win.
Steve, what you said about knowing right where the wire is and not doing more than was needed, reminded me of fan favorite, of course Queen Z. With the heart attack that she wasn’t going to get there. I do so wish we could have some of these incredibly talented apparently tough colts race enough years for us to get as attached to them as so many of us were to her.
I was really rooting for Midnight Bourbon, always been a fan. But what a race!! And now I am a fan of Essential Quality. I was thinking that it’s really a shame thoroughbred ‘rules’ don’t allow artificial insemination – it would take away the incentive to retire these horses to stud at 2 or 3, increase fan base for races.
That was a great finale to a fun and exciting bunch of races yesterday. Well done, both Essential Quality and Midnight Bourbon.
Did you read my column after the Haskell? If you like Midnight Bourbon I think you’ll enjoy it.
He’s a brick house of a horse! I love your analogy, Steve. Buckpasser was not a horse with which I could strongly identify, as we lived on two separate coasts, but I admired his greatness from afar. Essential Quality is just a few shades of gray away from that greatness. I hope, even though we know the odds, that Godolphin will permit him to add to his legacy. Enough of these early retirements already! Please give us a chance to know and to love him more.
I think they’ll go for the Dubai World Cup, but I want him to race the rest of he year.
Yes!
Buckpasser is my all time favorite racehorse, and I have a scrapbook filled with news clippings about him accompanied by my own personal comments and musings. And yes, I remember the “Chicken Flamingo”, in fact I was just telling someone about it!
But, I don’t really see the comparison. Essential Quality doesn’t wait until all looks hopeless before suddenly surging in the shadow of the wire to win! Yes, he seems to take his time grinding down the leader, but he’s not coming from out of nowhere when he does it. Watching Buckpasser run was enough to give any fan–and most likely his connections–a heart attack!
You didnt read what I wrote very carefully. I said he is Buckpasser with tactical speed. I never compared them by sayng their running styles were the same. Just the opposite. Once again, Buckpasser WITH TACTICAL SPEED. What I compared was the way they win their races not how they run.
I saw Buckpasser at Arlington Park in the Classic, when he went in 1:32-3/5. It was a record broken only by your favorite, Dr. Fager. Like you, when I saw the 6 furlong split, I thought it was all over for Essentil Quality, but…
We’ll have to wait to see if Essential Quality runs at 4. Godolphin can obviously afford to wait to send him to stud.
The amazing part of his world record mile was that his stablemate Impessive went the 6f in 1:06 and change and Buckpasser had no trouble picking up the pieces. Thats what I meant when I said he ran fast when his stablemates cut out a torrid pace for him. But he was a great horse for sure and so exciting. Ever see the Chicken Flamingo? I still dont believe that race.
Great read Mr. Haskin! Keeping fingers crossed EQ races @ four.
Thanks Mike. I’m far from confident but still hoping. Otherwise it would be another waste of talent.
Agree 100%. Is it realistic Maxfield could race @ five?
ooh, another year of Maxfield would be wonderful.
Linda, hoping Maxfield will.
He could. He still has a lot to prove. Remember, hey lost Mystic Guide
I agree.
Owner situation aside, which has made the ‘big picture’ hmmmmm, and a little hard to ’embrace’…..
EQ is one helluva a racehorse that I enjoy watching. He so impressed me in the Juvenile and it is great to see him continuing to ‘do his thing’.
I also agree EQ is a bit of a throwback…relative to ‘modern’ times, he has raced ‘a lot’. Yes, that is a very ‘relative’ statement….
I really hope they keep him in training as long as he is healthy and sound, regardless of outcome of the BC Classic. He appears to just be getting better, and better…..Affirmed never won my a lot, but he did find a way to win. Similar on that level…
While large win margins are impressive, for me a win’s a win.