Essential Quality’s Next Race Hasn’t Been Decided

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Essential Quality is considered one of the early favorites to win the 2021 Kentucky Derby after winning the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest Stakes over the weekend, which kept him unbeaten in four starts.

However, it could be a while before he gets back on a track. For the reason that his next race has not yet been determined. How come?

“He’s really good, doing great,” trainer Brad Cox said Sunday. “No decision on his next race.”

According to Cox, the next races being considered include the Blue Grass at Keeneland. Also, the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, and the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn.

Cox said one of Essential Quality’s best qualities is his stamina. Therefore, which was apparent as he finished strongly in the slop in the Southwest. In what was his first start in nearly four months. It was run over 1 1/16 miles, the same distance of his wins in the Breeders’ Cup and the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity last year at Keeneland.

Kentucky Derby Betting Odds for Essential Quality

“Firstly, He stays on,” Cox said. “He’s got a tremendous amount of stamina, never seems to get tired. Training, he does all his works well in hand. It just comes so easy for him.”

“He’s just an exceptional talent that was able to win going three-quarters his first time out, probably not what he wants to do. Or even what he’s bred for, bred to do.”

Spielberg, winner of the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, participated in the Southwest and finished second, 4 1/4 lengths behind Essential Quality.

Spielberg spotted the field several lengths when he broke last of all Saturday.

“After that horrendous start, I was really happy with how he ran,” Baffert said Sunday. “He might have been closer, but he wasn’t going to beat the winner. The winner’s a good horse. [Spielberg is] a stayer, kind of a one-paced horse. I think he liked the firmer track there.”