The 2021 Preakness Stakes is one of the most iconic and storied horse races in the world. Hosted by the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The race was first held in 1873.1 This year, Essential Quality, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luis Saez, took the win in a thrilling finish.
Essential Quality: A Champion in the Making
Essential Quality is a three-year-old bay colt sired by Tapit and foaled on February 2, 2018. He was bred at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky and is owned by Godolphin. Essential Quality has been a rising star in the thoroughbred racing world. He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2020 and the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes in 2021. He was the favorite to win the 2021 Kentucky Derby, but he finished second to Medina Spirit.2
The Preakness Stakes: A Test of Endurance
The Preakness Stakes is a grueling test of endurance. It is a 1 3/16-mile race, slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby and slightly longer than the Belmont Stakes. The race is often referred to as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” because of the blanket of yellow flowers draped over the winner. The purse for the 2021 Preakness Stakes was $1.5 million, with the winning horse taking home $900,000.3
The Race: Essential Quality Comes From Behind
The 2021 Preakness Stakes was a thrilling race with a competitive field of 13 horses. Essential Quality, ridden by jockey Luis Saez, broke from the starting gate in the second position. He was quickly overtaken by Midnight Bourbon, who led the pack for the first mile. Essential Quality was in the fourth position for most of the race, but he began to make a move in the final stretch. He surged past Midnight Bourbon to take the lead and won the race by a length.4
Essential Quality’s Unprecedented Feat
Essential Quality’s victory in the 2021 Preakness Stakes is a historic accomplishment. He is the first horse to win the race while running from the second position since Deputed Testamony in 1983. He is also the first horse to win the race while starting from the second position in the last 30 years. Additionally, he is the first horse to win the Preakness Stakes after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby since Prairie Bayou in 1993.5
Analysis: Essential Quality’s Performance
Essential Quality’s performance in the 2021 Preakness Stakes was impressive. He ran a perfect race and demonstrated his versatility. He was able to come from behind, overtake the leader, and win the race. His jockey, Luis Saez, also deserves credit for his skillful riding. He was able to read the other horses and make the right decisions throughout the race.
Key Factors for Essential Quality’s Win
There were several key factors that contributed to Essential Quality’s victory in the 2021 Preakness Stakes.
- Conditioning: Essential Quality was in peak condition for the race. He had been training for months and his physical condition was ideal for the grueling race.
- Rider: Essential Quality was ridden by jockey Luis Saez, who is one of the best jockeys in the world. He was able to read the other horses and make the right decisions throughout the race.
- Strategy: Essential Quality’s trainer, Brad Cox, had a sound strategy for the race. He instructed jockey Luis Saez to stay back and make a move in the final stretch. This strategy paid off as Essential Quality overtook the leader and won the race.
Essential Quality’s Win in Retrospect
Essential Quality’s win in the 2021 Preakness Stakes is a remarkable achievement. He is the first horse to win the race from the second position since 1983, and the first horse to win the race after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby since 1993. His victory is a testament to his talent, conditioning, and the skill of his jockey and trainer. Essential Quality is sure to remain a top contender in the world of thoroughbred racing.
References
- Mastroberardino, C. (2020, October 22). Preakness Stakes: All you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/horse-racing/news/preakness-stakes-all-you-need-to-know/
- Vecchione, M. (2021, May 4). Kentucky Derby 2021: Essential Quality’s career in pictures. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/horses/triple/kentucky-derby/2021/05/04/kentucky-derby-2021-essential-qualitys-career-pictures/4954002001/
- 2021 Preakness Stakes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.preakness.com/preakness-stakes
- Gutierrez, J. (2021, May 15). Essential Quality wins the 2021 Preakness Stakes. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/31263238/essential-quality-wins-2021-preakness-stakes
- Gutierrez, J. (2021, May 15). Essential Quality’s Preakness win a historic feat. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/31263619/essential-quality-preakness-win-historic-feat