The owners of Quality Road are blowing his chance at greatness

[andtheyreoff]

I know Quality Road hasn't been in the news lately, but I just feel the need to get this off my chest.

According to what the connections have said, Quality Road will not race again until the Met Mile-aka, a four month layoff for a perfectly sound horse with no Eclipse Awards locked up. After that, he'll probably take another long, unnecessary break, return at Saratoga, take another long, unnecessary break, and return at Belmont en route to the BC Classic. And I ask, why?

Now, some of you are saying that he is worth too much as a stud prospect to race him often. And you know what I say: Screw that! If he races more often, he will actually increase his stud value with more G1 races in the bank, plus added income and more higher Beyer Speed Figures. In addition, if Quality Road does not race often,  can really join greatness? Cigar could have taken a rest between the Donn and the Pimlico Special or Masscap, but he didn't. He ran 10 times, had one of the best seasons by a horse in modern times, and wound up being one of the Top 20. With the road he's taking, Quality Road could wind up looking like Devil his Due more than Cigar.

To conclude, he doesn't need a long break. Just one prep (i.e. Carter) would be enough, and then I'd be satisfied. Nothing wrong with this kind of campaign:

Hal's Hope

Donn

Carter

Met Mile

Suburban

Whitney

Woodward

Jockey Club Gold Cup

BC Classic

And there's nothing shabby or weak hearted about that. He can finish 9-9, have a good break between each race, and look more like Cigar than Devil his Due.

[drwclrwhnroused]

The Suburban is a G2 this year.  Do not see why he needs to race 9 times to prove his greatness.  I think he already proved his brilliance with 3 Track records between 6.5 an 9 F, Why race in the Carter???  How is it a prep 8 1/2 weeks prior to Met Mile??? I don't think 59 days between races would constitute the first as a prep.  That is why there is probably such a break, the fact that there is really nothing appealing between the Donn and Met Mile for him.  The rest of your schedule looks good save the Suburban.  So he will finish with 6G1 wins this year.

[biggestal]

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andtheyreoff wrote:

. In addition, if Quality Road does not race often,  can really join greatness? 

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Not sure was ghostzapper HOTY with what a 4 race campaign.

Allan 

[bradfrommd]

Quality Road is like Gomez way more hype than talent, he was beat fair and square by SB and always will be.

[Lure]

You don't win championships in the spring......

[bradfrommd]

Unfortunately to many champions are now won in the press rather than on the track

[Eugene77]

Brad, dont say that, you may hurt some feelings................

[prized]

1. 2009    bribon
2. 2008    divine park
3. 2007    corinthian
4. 2006    silver train
5. 2005    ghostzapper
6. 2004    pico central
7. 2003    aldebaran
8. 2002    swept overboard
9. 2001    exciting story
10. 2000  yankee victor                                                                   metropolitan winners are not big names (except ghostzapper).   the winners usually have good form (1st or 2nd) and their last race was in new york, 3 to 6 weeks prior.       except ghostzapper, last race was breeders cup classic victory.

[westcoast]

I like Quality Road and he was my pick for the Derby last year.  I think they have to be carefull with him and make sure he does not develop the same problems as last year.  With that said I would love to see a full year out of him, remember though he started in January of this year, that is a long time until November.   The Breeders Cup Classic is the  ultimate goal.

[biggestal]

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bradfrommd wrote:

Quality Road is like Gomez way more hype than talent, he was beat fair and square by SB and always will be.

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120+ BEYERS are almost never hype. QR has two G1's in the bank and looking for more.

Perhaps QR doesn't quite like a sloppy track as well as fast track. you do know he holds two track

records. :-).

Allan