A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

QRIsTheBest — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:38:09 GMT

I did visit with QR at Lanes End this pst November and he truly is the friendliest horse I have very been around. A gentle giant to say the least. He let me pet and kiss him. Lol

Those that saw him after his last race did mention that his foot was heavily bandaged during his inspection and he did indeed suffer from an abscess. When I aske a staff member at Lanes End about this (cause it bothers me that he has never had a bad race except his last) theycould not confirm that officially but did mention that something was bothering him. Its in my opinion that QR was not 100% at the BCC and if his previous races are any indication that statement is accurate. I also believe that if he were 100% healthy Blame and Zenyatta would have been a footnote that day. The cards QR were dealt at both BCC 10 & 09is very sad, but I know in my heart that he could have won them both and gone down as one of the greats. Maybe his foals will redeem his legacy.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Sue M — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:34:54 GMT

@August Song - I agree. I just don't like what I see from some of TP's horses. It was a suspicion at first, but I see I'm not the only one.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

DANYLSON — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:03:28 GMT

QUALITY ROAD HAD AN ABCESS DURING "DISPLAY" AT HIS OPENING WEEK AT STUD. ACCORDING TO THOSE AROUND THAT DAY AND MANY WHO TOOK A LOOK, THE ABCESS OCCURED DURING THE CLASSIC, WHICH WOULD JUSTIFY HIS POOR SHOWING.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Zenyattasbiggestfan — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:31:22 GMT

Well now he can go out and sire winnwrs. I will miss him,Blame ,and mostly Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

sherpa — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:58:38 GMT

As always, GunBow, your comment was even-handed and very informative. I glean perspective every time you or Footlick sit down at your keyboards. Thanks.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Bellwether — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:53:21 GMT

???...PAULICK REPORT ROCKS!!!...LAT B$..."IT" AIN'T GOE N AWAY...ty...

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

GunBow — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:37:11 GMT

I can't claim to have been a huge Quality Road fan, and on a number of occassions on this and other Bloodhorse blogs, I argued against him be called a superstar or the "Next..."(fill in Spectacular Bid, Holy Bull, Easy Goer, etc).

However, there was no denying that he was physically gifted, and could, on his best day, be awe inspiring. And he always had a class about him. It is unfortunate that he wasn't able to run in either the Kentucky Derby or 09' Breeder's Cup Classic and that he threw in by far his worst performance in the 10' Classic.

I wish I could say that I had seen Quality Road run in person, but the one day he and I were at the same racetrack on the same afternoon(09' Breeders Cup), he was scratched at the post. At least I was able to see him in person because he did make a wonderful physical impression; what a powerfully built horse! He was the only horse in that 09' Classic field that physically could look Zenyatta in the eye.

As with others, Quality Road will remain somewhat of an enigma for me. He was talented, fast, classy(won 4 gr.1 races), but he didn't appear to be a true classic horse and he unraveled on the biggest stages. The horse I liken him to is In Excess. Physically, Quality Road shared many similarities with In Excess, and they also shared the same frontrunning style. Both turned in some awesome performances and won 4 gr.1 races, but both had distance limitations and experienced debacles in the Breeder's Cup.

In Excess was a Euro transplant who was based in Bruce Jackson's barn in California. In the fall of 1990, In Excess won the Volante Stakes on turf(now Oak Tree Derby), before being switched to the dirt for the 91' San Fernando, which he won in a romp with a 116 Beyer. Next out, in the 10 furlong Strub, In Excess' distance limitations first reared its head when he faded to be 3rd as the heavy favorite. Then, in the Big Cap, he was run into the ground by red-hot Farma Way.

At this point, Jackson decided that In Excess might like Belmont more than the Cali tracks, as well as the fact that at Belmont 9 and 10 furlong races are run around just 1 turn. Jackson mapped out a smart NY campaign for In Excess, one that avoided the big handicap stars like Farma Way, Festin, Jolies Halo, Unbridled, Summer Squall, Marguetry, and Black Tie Affair who were running in races belonging to the new American Championship Racing Series.

In Excess went on to win the Met Mile(with 116/117 Beyer), the 10 furlong Suburban(then a gr.1, and in track record time for a 120 Beyer), and then the Whitney. Finally, in the 9 furlong Woodward at Belmont, which served as the final race in the ACRS, Jackson put In Excess in against the big handicap stars; In Excess responded with an authoratative victory(116 Beyer) to become the both the leading older horse and the leading contender for Horse of the Year.

Unfortunately for In Excess and his connections, the Breeders Cup was a huge debacle. Much like Quality Road, this debacle was centered around the decision of which race to enter. While Pletcher, incorrectly it appears, remained convinced that Quality Road could not only get 10 furlongs, but that he could do it at Churchill with its long stretch against a field full of speed, Bruce Jackson concluded that In Excess wanted no part of 10 furlongs at Churchill(where the 91' BC was held).

Consequently, Jackson entered In Excess not in the Classic but in the Mile(turf). In Excess could only muster 9th in the Mile, and so lost both the HoY and the older male Eclipse. In retrospect, Jackson should have have tried the Classic, but it goes without saying that had the dirt Mile been an option, it would have been the perfect fit for In Excess. And it is fairly clear now that the Dirt Mile would have been the better spot for Quality Road this year and last.

If Quality Road turns out to be as good a sire as In Excess, then he will have a sizable impact on future generations. Although based in Cali where he doesn't see the top broodmares, In Excess has sired some wonderful horses, including Indian Charlie, the sire of Uncle Mo.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

sherpa — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:03:29 GMT

Thank you for this, Steve. I wasn't a big QR fan before, but your telling of his story makes me wish I had appreciated him more.

You truly are the "Speaker for the Horse."

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

KARINNYC — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:51:41 GMT

I was not a big Quality Road fan at first. When he broke through the gate at the breeders cup I was so worried for him. Then when I heard he wouldn't get on the plane I fell in love with the big boy. I kept up on his gate progress and was happy to see him doing well. When I saws the replay of the Donn My mouth dropped wide open and I got to see him in the Met Mile he was just unbelievable.

I just have to say I also love Musket Man he's "the litle engine that could. I wanted him to win just once.

I wish Quality Road was the horse that beat Zenyatta....the sting would not have been as bad. Him being last doesn't make me love him any less.

Can't wait to see his little ones. I'll be on look out.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Richard — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:06:38 GMT

Interesting comments about Pletcher -- he did have two unusual occurrences with Quality Road and Life at Ten at this past year's Breeders' Cup.

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Carole — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:02:54 GMT

I have loved Quality Road since early in his racing career -- a beautiful, talented horse. Thank you for telling so much more about his off-track personality, training, intelligence. I look forward to visiting him during my next visit to KY.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Deb — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:52:30 GMT

A kind horse that just became very scared for some reason of the gate. Good training put it right.

I like him alot.

A beautiful horse that did his job to the best of his ability.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

NotRealQuiet — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:21:11 GMT

Thanks for the article, very informative, Steve. What a beautiful animal. His head is perfect and his color exceptional, his expressions are of greatness, and what an athlete . . . I will miss him.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Zemonized — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:19:40 GMT

Thank you for the informative article on one of my favorite horses of recent years. I was surprised & happy to know that he was such a sweetheart off the track. I thought from the comments made that he was a "nut-job, head-case" all the time. I'm thinking Coronado's Quest & to go in the way back vault - Prego. I think the starter who saved his life @ BC '09 should have received some kind of "Courage Under Fire" award & as for BC '10, considering the Class this horse has and his PP, I was relieved that he had not suffered some type of injury (as far as we know) since he stopped-up quicker than a clogged drain. May he enjoy a long, pampered & healthy life at Lane's End. As for Todd Pletcher, if he never got a QUALITY horse again that would be O.K. with me. Wish YOU could train as well as you write!!

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Licci — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:24:22 GMT

great piece about this great horse... some might say he never got to win the "Big Ones" but, come on... this guy could run! he delivered! Too bad he's gone... i'll remember him!

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Deby — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:09:33 GMT

I just have a comment regarding Pletcher and Life at Ten regarding the so-called "investigation that is taking forever". The Kentucky Racing Commission has said repeatedly that none of the on track vets or personnel were notified that there was an issue with her. Her jock told Jerry Bailey and company that something was not right with her. He had a lead pony with him the whole time she was on the track! Why didn't that outrider notify track the vets? She heard everything that was being said about the horse. I hope Quality Road is a successful stallion and he stays in the U.S. Happy New Year everyone!

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Lisa g — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:56:03 GMT

Quality Road and Lookin At Lucky, were the male stars.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Draynay — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:42:54 GMT

May he forever more catch a dry track. Loved watching him. Can't wait to see him this summer.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Maggie — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:35:43 GMT

Oh, I forgot to mention: I always thought that 1 1/4 miles was going to be too far for Quality Road...The dirt mile would have been the best choice.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Maggie — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:33:00 GMT

The only real "clunker" QR had was the 2010 Classic...He didn't win everything, but was right there all the time and did win many fantastic ones. I love that kind of a career- it makes it so interesting. It reminds me of many of the old time horses and their harder careers. Certainly Seabiscuit didn't win all of his, but the ones he did were super. Sometimes it's just fun as a fan to have to watch and wait for that brilliance to come through!

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

an ole rail bird — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:21:29 GMT

well written piece, thanks. would just like to add. i have watched a lot of races in my 60 plus years swaps was the ist good horse i remember. quality road will be one that will stick in my mind as one of the best. he always reminded me of damascus. but i think that the next time that the mississippi river gets out of its banks. they should put todd pletcher in charge of it. and then make john velascis his right hand man. between those 2, they may not stop it completly, but they will change something on it that at least make it change directions. lets go horse racing

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

TerriZ — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:14:44 GMT

I read that Johnny V said that Quality Road kept going to the the side and that he was not himself on the day of the Whitney.

One wonders what was up with this; was the horse not feeling right or was it a medication issue.

This was a brillant, focused horse.

By the way, a mating with Zenyatta would be an ideal match of stamina and speed. Zenyatta has the stamina of Roberto's family. And of course, Quality Road was a speedster. Why not breed for speed and stamina; I am sure Mr. Evans would wholeheartedly approve.

Thanks again for the wonderful article. I am sure that his owner, Mr. Evan's spirit will always be with QR and his offspring.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

ROBINM — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:58:21 GMT

QR was my favorite for the 2009 Derby. I didn't even bother to find a new "fave" when quarter cracks kept him out of the Triple Crown races. I haven't heard anyone mention the Santa Anita surface when talking about the debacle at the 2009 BCC but he didn't train well on the synthetic surface leading up to the race. I'm convinced he is an intelligent horse; maybe he was reluctant to load because he really didn't want to race on that track. Under the pressure of the whip and the blindfold he was totally undone.

Frankly, the comments about QR retireing so soon kind of confuses me. He had a full 2010 campaign (as a 4 yr old) unlike many of his contemporaries who didn't race past 3.

Personally, I think he'll be a very productive sire if bred to the right mares. I like seeing speed (particularly a high "cruising" speed) mated to stamina. I think he would be an excellent mate for Zenyatta, though it's more likley she will go to AP Indy.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Will W — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:06:06 GMT

Now after all that gate schooling and a few good races he gets caught in the Whitney after easy fractions, bombs in the BC Classic, and is instantly retired though only a 4 year old. No need for a eulogy here.

re: A Fast, But Oddly Paved Road

Lucy — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:51:18 GMT

I liked Quality Road. As some others noted, it was a shame he was taken from Jerkins, who would have given him the "hands on," individualized attention a quirky, young thoroughbred needs. That is, in part, I think, what made Zenyatta what she was, a trainer who knew her and understood her as an individual.

It seems to me that many who are involved in or follow racing forget just how young a three-year-old horse really is. In sports such as dressage, three-day-eventing and jumping, most top horses are near ten and often continue competing well into their teens. Endurace horses must be five before they are allowed to participate at full distances. This is because horses do not reach full physical maturity until that age and may take even longer to become "settled." Every time I watch the post parade for the Kentucky Derby I hold my breath and consider it a miracle that all those hot-blooded three year olds make it safely to the gate.

Quality Road was a scared, young thoroughbred at last years' Breeders Cup and this year? Who knows? I wondered if maybe he did not think it was right to have to race at dinner time.

I do wish these horses raced a little longer, so we could see them as grown-ups and not scared babies.