Essential Quality proves all class for Godolphin in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
Kentucky Derby target for unbeaten colt.
Essential Quality maintained his unbeaten record to spark Kentucky Derby dreams for Godolphin with victory in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland. Much of the pre-race discussion focussed on the Steve Asmussen-trained Jackie’s Warrior, who had won each of his previous four starts and was all the rage to cement his place as winter favourite for next year’s ‘Run for the Roses’. Joel Rosario was forced to take a lead behind the red-hot pace on Jackie’s Warrior – who has looked so brilliant from the front – but once he did hit strike for home it was for just a matter of strides before huge outsider Hot Rod Charlie took over and threatened to cause a major shock. However, Essential Quality came from further back under Luis Saez and ultimately won with authority – completing a big double for trainer Brad Cox following the success of Aunt Pearl in the preceding Juvenile Fillies Turf. Hot Rod Charlie was second ahead of Keepmeinmind in third, with Jackie’s Warrior only fourth. Cox – recording his fifth Breeders’ Cup winner – said: “It was a tremendous effort from Luis, who stayed at him the whole way. “He has an amazing amount of stamina and is a spectacular horse for the Godolphin operation. “I was hoping he wouldn’t flatten out, but that never looked like happening and moving forward we will point him at the Kentucky Derby.” It was a first Breeders’ Cup victory for Saez, who said: “Today he was very focussed and really responded when I got at him. He ran right by them.” Asmussen felt the strong early pace contributed to Jackie’s Warrior’s downfall. He said: “It (the pace) was too much too soon. “He’d accomplished a lot coming here and obviously we planned on winning and ended up coming fourth. “Pace makes the race and it did not set up well for us today.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Al Musmak aiming to outrun Guineas odds
Roger Varian’s contender is currently rated a 50-1 shot for Newmarket Classic.
-
Willie Mullins has to settle for minor honours in Perth Listed events
Trainer did register a winner at Ludlow with 1-7 shot Daddy Long Legs.
-
Bucanero Fuerte set to skip Guineas with Ascot sprint preferred
Phoenix Stakes victor ‘highly unlikely’ to take up Classic engagement.
-
Ballysax scorer Dallas Star added to Derby field
Adrian Murray targeting Epsom with shock Leopardstown winner.
-
Andre Fabre left wondering if ground was behind Newmarket disappointment
Alcantor remains on course for French Guineas despite Craven eclipse.
-
Amateur Ella Herbison performs miracle recovery to claim first victory at Perth
The 7lb claimer went on to win by a length and three-quarters.
-
Neville eager to take Oaksey test with The Real Whacker
‘It’s the first time I’ve seen good ground in a long time, so we’re looking forward to it’.
-
Chester and York options under consideration for Arrest
Colt finished seventh on his seasonal bow at Newbury.
-
Dettori lands Kentucky Derby ride on Society Man
Italian will take part in Churchill Downs showpiece.
-
Botti sets sights on French Classic gold with Folgaria
A trip to ParisLongchamp next month firmly on the agenda for Newbury winner.