Essential Quality , working toward his return after winning the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) at Keeneland Nov. 6, remains on course to start in mid-February.
The Godolphin 3-year-old homebred by Tapit is under consideration for either the Feb. 13 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots or the Feb. 15 Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, his connections said. The $400,000 Risen Star at 1 1/8 miles is over a track where he has trained this winter, while the Southwest is $750,000 at 1 1/16 miles, a shorter distance that might not prove as tiring for a comeback race.
Trainer Brad Cox said he likely won't decide on which spot until the early part of February, noting that he doesn't have to alter the colt's training much with the races only two days apart.
The Risen Star, run at the Churchill Downs Incorporated-owned Fair Grounds, offers more qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, issued on a 50-20-10-5 scale compared to 10-4-2-1 for the richer Southwest, but Essential Quality is not in as much need of points as other 3-year-olds. He accumulated a series-leading 30 from his 2-year-old campaign when he was unbeaten in three races.
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Cox also has a leading prospect for the Risen Star in Juddmonte Farms' Mandaloun , third in the Jan. 16 Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds as the favorite.
Should Essential Quality race in the Southwest, he might clash with fellow grade 1 winner Jackie's Warrior , who is training at Fair Grounds but is aimed for the 3-year-old series in Arkansas, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen indicated earlier this month. Both colts, each dual grade 1 winners, are two of three finalists for the Eclipse Award for champion 2-year-old male, a prize likely to be awarded later this month to Essential Quality.
"I think (Brad) will probably keep his options open, as you must in this day and age at all times, but all things being equal, reading between the lines, I think the Southwest will make the most sense primarily because of the distance of a mile and sixteenth," said Jimmy Bell, president and racing manager for Godolphin. "One step at a time, but if things work out and go according to plan, that's his direction."
Essential Quality last worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 Jan. 17 at Fair Grounds, breezing with OXO Equine's Travel Column, a graded stakes-winning 2-year-old filly of 2020 for Cox who is also preparing for her first start at 3.
Travel Column won the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) last fall at Churchill Downs with a troubled trip and is considered a top prospect on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.
