Godolphin's Essential Quality (Tapit) exited his win in Saturday's GI Runhappy Travers S. in fine shape, and, while his next start is up in the air, his ultimate target will be the Nov. 6 GI Breeders' Cup Classic, trainer Brad Cox confirmed Sunday.
“He looked great this morning. He's in good shape,” Cox said. “[Godolphin USA President] Jimmy Bell and I spoke about [his next start] this morning, there's no pressure to make a decision right now. We'll just let the dust settle and enjoy this victory for a little bit. I think that's the right thing to do. We'll make a decision in a week or two weeks. The most important thing is watching him and how he trains.”
Also looking ahead after a Grade I win at Saratoga Saturday are the connections of Gufo (Declaration of War), who captured the GI Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer S. for Otter Bend stables.
“He came out of his race in very good shape and I was very proud of him. He looks very good this morning,” trainer Christophe Clement said.
Clement said the colt would now be pointed towards the Oct. 9 GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park.
Trainer Chad Brown reported that GII Ballston Spa S. winner Viadera (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) will likely make her next start in the Oct. 9 GI First Lady S. at Keeneland.
Also Saturday at Saratoga, Brown saddled Jack Christopher (Munnings), who was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 8 3/4-length debut victory.
“I was very pleased,” Brown said of the effort. “The word was out. He had worked well and he ran to his works, which is always a relief for a trainer.”
Brown said Jack Christopher will point to the Oct. 2 GI Champagne S. at Belmont, a one-turn mile offering a “Win and You're In” berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
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