(Essential Quality wins the G3 Southwest Stakes in 2021 Debut / Coady Photography)
From the beginning of his race career, Essential Quality has seemed to possess all of the “essential qualities” it takes to become a successful racehorse.
Pedigree? By Tapit? Seriously. Check.
Speed and turn of foot? Are you kidding me? Win in debut. Win every time since debut. Check. Check. Check. Check.
Stamina and strength to go two turns and a route of ground? Win in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity and the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Check. Check.
Maturity and growth from 2YO Champ to 3YO Star? Win over the sloppy track in the 2021 debut & G3 Southwest Stakes is proof positive. Check.
In short, and in his short career so far?
Essential Quality is proving that — truly — he does have the essential qualities to be and become more than just a successful racehorse. He is proving — each and every time, so far — that he just may have all the essential qualities to become a superstar.
Although there is much to be done before he checks that box, the 3YO grey is fast becoming one of the most talked about talents to come along in years. And, if it is to be accomplished, it may come along at the same time of one of the best groups and crops of 3YOs in years, too.
This year’s prospective field for the Kentucky Derby is certainly shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented collection of 3YOs in recent memory. There certainly appears to be plenty of contenders that will push each and all to be their best in order to beat the very best.
Only time will tell. But the time is coming, too. Quickly. Rapidly.
And, for now, all we can do is just wait and hope that the best will, in fact, become the best.
With all the essential qualities to rival some of the superstars of yesteryear.
Here’s hoping.
And…
Here’s our look at the Top 20 contenders for this year’s Kentucky Derby. And, why.
Rankings | Horse | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race | Next Race | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Essential Quality | Tapit | Brad Cox | Luis Saez | 1st in G3 Southwest Stakes | Feb. 21 — G3 Southwest Stakes | Impressive in 2021 Debut / Impressive Every Time |
2 | Life Is Good | Into Mischief | Bob Baffert | Mike Smith | 1st in G3 Sham Stakes | March 6 — G2 San Felipe Stakes | Training Great for Saturday’s Test |
3 | Greatest Honour | Tapit | Shug McGaughey | Jose Ortiz | 1st in G2 Fountain of Youth | March 27 — G1 Florida Derby | Can Finish What He Starts |
4 | Mandaloun | Into Mischief | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 1st in G2 Risen Star Stakes | March 20 — G2 Louisiana Derby | Blinkers Helped / Still, Must Improve |
5 | Concert Tour | Street Sense | Bob Baffert | Joel Rosario | 1st in G2 San Vicente Stakes | March 13 — G2 Rebel Stakes | Ships to Oaklawn Where Baffert Excels |
6 | Keepmeinmind | Loaban | Roberto Diodoro | David Cohen | 1st in G2 KY Jockey Club @ CD | TBD | When, Where? Clock Ticking |
7 | Medina Spirit | Protonico | Bob Baffert | Abel Cedillo | 1st in G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes | March 6 — G2 San Felipe Stakes | Has Guts Will Travel |
8 | Caddo River | Hard Spun | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 1st in Smarty Jones Stakes | March 13 — G2 Rebel Stakes | Team Cox is Team Loaded |
9 | Hot Rod Charlie | Oxbow | Doug O’Neill | Joel Rosario | 3rd in G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes | March 20 — G2 Louisiana Derby | 2 Good Efforts In a Row / Needs a Win |
10 | Proxy | Tapit | Michael Stidham | John Velazquez | 2nd in G2 Risen Star Stakes | March 20 — G2 Louisiana Derby | Can Rally / Can He Finish? |
11 | Drain the Clock | Maclean’s Music | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | Edgard Zayas | 2nd in G2 Fountain of Youth | March 27 — G1 Florida Derby | Stretched Out & Nearly Stuck the Landing / Next? |
12 | Midnight Bourbon | Tiznow | Steve Asmussen | Joe Talamo | 3rd in the G2 Risen Star Stakes | March 20 — G2 Louisiana Derby | LA Derby Is Loaded / Ready, Aim Time |
13 | Freedom Fighter | Violence | Bob Baffert | Drayden Van Dyke | 2nd in G2 San Vicente Stakes | March 6 — G3 Gotham Stakes | Ships To NY for Team Baffert / Must Bring “A” Game |
14 | Risk Taking | Medaglia d’Oro | Chad Brown | Eric Cancel | 1st in G3 Withers Stakes | TBD | Next Destination Will Be Interesting |
15 | The Great One | Nyquist | Doug O’Neill | Abel Cedillo | 1st in SA MSW | March 6 — G2 San Felipe Stakes | CA-Bred Has Huge Test On Saturday |
16 | Rombauer | Twirling Candy | Michael McCarthy | Kyle Frey | 1st in El Camino Real Derby | TBD | True Closer Improving at Right Time |
17 | Candy Man Rocket | Candy Ride | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 1st in G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes | March 6 — Tampa Bay Derby | Must Fire Again To Keep Position |
18 | Highly Motivated | Into Mischief | Chad Brown | Javier Castellano | 1st in Nyquist Stakes | March 6 — G3 Gotham Stakes | Big Test in Gotham on Saturday |
19 | Known Agenda | Curlin | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz, Jr | 1st in GP Allowance on 2-26 | March 27 — G1 Florida Derby | Time to Play With Big Boys |
20 | Prate | Into Mischief | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 1st in FG MSW | TBD | Missed Last Work? What’s Up? |
20a | Cowan | Kantharos | Steve Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 2nd in Saudi Derby | March 27 — G2 UAE Derby | Closer Has To Find Next Gear |