Tag: Doug O’Neill

Essential Quality ‘Looks Amazing’ After Belmont; Cox Eyes Travers

Essential Quality (Tapit) got great marks from trainer Brad Cox the morning after the colt triumphed in a strong renewal of the GI Belmont S., and Cox said the Godolphin homebred will be pointed next to the GI Runhappy Travers S. Aug. 28 at Saratoga. The Belmont victory marked the first Grade I win as a sophomore for last year's champion 2-year-old male and offered a measure of redemption for the gray, who was the beaten favorite when fourth in last month's GI Kentucky Derby, his first career defeat.

“He looks amazing. It doesn't look like he lost any weight. We jogged him up this morning and he was moving great,” Cox told the NYRA notes team Sunday. “He's a very intelligent horse. It's amazing to watch him. We train him on race day and whenever we put him back in, he'll lay down the rest of the day. He knows what's going on and he deserves a good rest today after such a long race yesterday.”

Rallying past stubborn pacesetter Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) in the final sixteenth of Saturday's $1.5-million Belmont, Essential Quality earned a career-best 109 Beyer and stopped the timer in 2:27.11 for the 1 1/2 miles, the third-fastest Belmont clocking this century, behind only American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile)'s 2:26.65 in 2015 and Point Given (Thunder Gulch)'s 2:26.56 in 2001.

In addition to the Travers, Cox said Essential Quality could start in the GII Jim Dandy S. July 31 at the Spa.

“It's one of the more prestigious races out there for 3-year-old colts. So that would be the logical spot,” Cox said of the Travers. “It's a mile and a quarter and we know he can handle that. In regard to a race before, it would be nice. Saratoga is obviously a demanding track. I wouldn't say we have to have a race before that, but it would be nice. I think the logical spot would be the Jim Dandy, but we'll get him back to Churchill and let him tell us over the next couple of weeks how he's feeling.”

Hot Rod Charlie, who ran valiantly to be a clear second in the Belmont after setting a scorching early pace of:22.78 and :46.49, also came out of his effort well, according to trainer Doug O'Neill.

“He looks awesome, just awesome,” said O'Neill before jetting back to his Southern California base. “He ate up everything and licked his feed tub. We scoped him after the race, and he scoped clean. He was definitely a little rubber-legged after the race, but by the time he got back to the barn area he had already recovered. He recovered quickly. He's amazing. He's so dappled, it's unbelievable. His coat is still beautiful. He's full of energy and is just great this morning.”

O'Neill added that a run in the Travers would likely be on the agenda for his charge as well.

“I think that's very logical,” he said. “The great thing about this group of guys [owners Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, William Strauss and Gainesway Stable] is that they're so patient. I'm sure we'll talk about that in the next week or two, but just knowing the way this journey has played out, and hopefully, there are plenty more chapters in the Charlie tale, we probably won't decide for another three weeks or so. But it is the most logical next spot. If he takes us there.”

O'Neill also told the Santa Anita notes team that a start against elders in the GI TVG Pacific Classic Aug. 21 at Del Mar is under consideration.

“As a 3-year-old, we'd get a big break in the weights and a few of our owners live down there,” he said.

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New, Old School Combine In Ownership Of Hot Rod Charlie

A varied ownership group spanning multiple generations will be on hand at Belmont Park to cheer on Hot Rod Charlie in Saturday's Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets.

Trained by Doug O'Neill, the son of 2013 Preakness winner Oxbow is owned by Bill Strauss, Greg Helm and Roadrunner Racing, as well as Boat Racing, which is headed by the conditioner's nephew, Patrick O'Neill, and made up of five friends who met when playing football for Brown University – Dan Giovacchini, Reiley Higgins, Alex Quoyeser and Eric Armagost.

Strauss and Helm bring years of knowledge and wisdom to the table, while the youngsters from Boat Racing provide youth, energy and charisma. The difference in generation is noticeable, but they all share a passion for horse racing.

Strauss, the founder of ProFlowers.com, enjoyed top-level success as co-owner of graded stakes winners Turbulent Descent, The Pamplemousse and two-time Breeders' Cup-winner Mizdirection.

“Our backgrounds are so diverse and so different. We all come from different life experiences, but when it comes to plotting out how to campaign 'Charlie', we come to an agreement,” said Strauss, 62. “It's been great. These are friends I have for life. It's nice when you hit your 60s and you're still making new friends.”

Helm, a semi-retired ad executive, races under the Roadrunner Racing moniker with friends from San Joaquin Country Club in California. Prior to Roadrunner Racing, Helm and his wife Glenna were a part of racing syndicates on the west coast.

“It feels great. I have terrific respect for the Boat Racing guys. They're terrific people, true gentlemen and great fun to be with,” said Helm. “It's been a joy to be partnered with them and Bill, as well.”

While Strauss and Helm are seasoned veterans, the 28-year-old Patrick O'Neill and his four college friends bring fresh faces to the game.

“It's been a very fun experience. I have to give a lot of credit to Bill and Greg Helm,” O'Neill said. “They're kids at heart and they're bringing that same energy that we're bringing. It's a complementary relationship and it's been such a fun ride.”

Hot Rod Charlie, a $110,000 purchase 2019 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, added blinkers when graduating at fourth asking in October traveling one-mile on the main track at Santa Anita. He had previously tried his luck in a pair of turf maiden special weights at Del Mar.

“We had tried different things with him, but things didn't click until his fourth start, where we went two turns on the dirt with blinkers on. That's when he sprang up and ran a different race,” Strauss said. “He was training sensationally coming out of that race. The light bulb went on.”

Hot Rod Charlie arrived at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile as the longest shot in a field of 14, going to post at 94-1 odds.

“He was competitive based on that first race he won. His numbers matched up pretty well with the rest of the field,” Strauss recalled. “He was training well and he fit numbers-wise, so we decided to take a shot. When a horse is two, they change so much from race to race, and he was changing so much in front of us day to day and week to week, but looking at the odds I was thinking 'Gosh, I hope we don't get embarrassed. I don't think I had ever had a horse in a race at 94-1.'”

Strauss and company felt the opposite of embarrassed once the race was over when Hot Rod Charlie ran a strong second to Belmont Stakes-rival Essential Quality in the Juvenile.

Hot Rod Charlie carried his effort into a close third in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis in January at Santa Anita ahead of a two-length triumph in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds Race Course, where jockey Joel Rosario sent him straight to the front and never looked back.

“After the Breeders' Cup, we gave him some time off. Young horses need time off after the big race he had run that day,” Strauss said. “Doug knows how to get it done. The goal wasn't the Bob Lewis in February, it was the Kentucky Derby in May. When we came to New Orleans, he was fitter and tighter. It was Joel's idea to send him to the front, and as you can see it worked out perfectly.”

Hot Rod Charlie did not disgrace his connections in the “Run for the Roses,” finishing a length shy of victory in third.

“We had some high expectations going into Kentucky. If you asked me six months ago if I would take third in the Kentucky Derby, I'd be thrilled,” Strauss said. “Turning for home it looked like we could win. No disappointment. Everything about the day, week and race itself surpassed my expectations. We had lots of close friends and family with us. We're going to do it all again this week and hopefully get it done on Saturday afternoon.”

Heading into Saturday's engagement, Patrick O'Neill and his college friends are soaking up every minute of action as they dive deeper into their love and appreciation of the sport.

“Patrick was always watching TVG. We'd watch it in the film room sometimes when we were supposed to be watching football stuff,” said Giovacchini. “We slowly started to ask questions and started to want to know more about it. A few years later, we were all at Del Mar and we decided why not take a shot together?”

Higgins said he's enjoying the moment.

“We bring the enthusiasm, they bring the brains. It's been an amazing experience for us all,” Higgins said. “Personally, I've been trying to soak up every second of this as have as much fun as I possibly can. I know these guys have been doing the exact same thing. We realize how lucky and blessed we are to be in this position. That's been my takeaway from this whole thing.”

Quoyeser said the team appreciates each and every part of the race-day experience.

“After spending one day with Team O'Neill at the track and getting in the winner's circle, it's hard not to have a good time,” he said. “A day at the track isn't just about the horses, it's about the people you're spending time with all day. You're just having a good time drinking, eating and gambling.

“We're enjoying every second of it,” Quoyeser added. “We're going to be doing every activity we can all week while we're here in New York. For the Kentucky Derby, we brought 160 of our closest friends and family to the track and this week we'll have dozens. We're very blessed to have the opportunity to be here, but also to share this with people we care about.”

Should Hot Rod Charlie's Belmont Stakes endeavor be successful, it won't just mean more good times for his enthusiastic owners.

“It would validate Charlie as being a great horse,” Strauss said. “He's in the top tier of the 3-year-old division. He's always right there against the best. Winning this race – an American Classic race, will memorialize him and put him on the charts and give him the recognition he deserves. It would solidify everything we think he is. Hopefully it set us up for this year and beyond.”

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Hot Rod Charlie, Rock Your World Among West Coast Shippers Arriving At Belmont Park

West Coast-based Hot Rod Charlie and Rock Your World, along with a number of talented stablemates, arrived in New York Saturday night to begin final preparations for the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on June 5.

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival runs from Thursday, June 3, through Saturday, June 5, and is headlined by the 153rd running of the Belmont Stakes. The festival will encompass 17 total stakes, including eight Grade 1s on Belmont Stakes Day, capped by the “Test of the Champion” for 3-year-olds in the 1 1/2-mile final leg of the Triple Crown.

Trainer Doug O'Neill shipped Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Strauss Bros Racing and Gainesway Thoroughbreds' Hot Rod Charlie along with McShane Racing's Stubbins, a contender for the G1, $400,000 Jackpocket Jaipur. Also along for the trip is the popular Hall of Famer Lava Man, a multiple G1 winner with more than $5.2 million in purse earnings now employed as a pony.

The trio arrived on the grounds at Belmont Park just before 8 p.m. Eastern on a wet Saturday evening.

O'Neill said all three have settled in well, in particular Hot Rod Charlie, who finished a strong third last out in the G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

“They all look in good shape. It's a big hurdle cleared,” said O'Neill. “I think he's [Hot Rod Charlie] put on weight. He looks phenomenal. He's training well and doing well.”

A dark bay son of Oxbow, Hot Rod Charlie closed out his 2-year-old campaign with a closing second to Belmont Stakes-rival Essential Quality in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile on November 6 at Keeneland.

Bred in Kentucky by Edward A. Cox, Hot Rod Charlie launched his sophomore season with a third in the G3 Robert B. Lewis, just a neck behind eventual Kentucky Derby-winner Medina Spirit in the 1 1/16-mile test on January 30 at Santa Anita.

He followed with a two-length score in the 1 3/16-mile G2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 20 ahead of his Derby effort.

On Friday, Hot Rod Charlie breezed five-eighths in 1:00.40 in company during an afternoon workout on the Santa Anita main track, easily pulling away from his workmate in a strong gallop out.

O'Neill said the breeze is an indication of a horse developing an understanding of his role.

“I think early on in his career he was more comfortable as a pack horse and running with the group. He'd never get tired, but he just kept hanging with the other horses,” said O'Neill. “Recently, he's very comfortable separating himself from other horses and I think that's a great trait that he's added and it's necessary to win big races. That's what I saw when he pulled away from his work mate.”

Flavien Prat, who piloted Belmont Stakes-rival Rombauer to victory in the G1 Preakness, has chosen to ride Hot Rod Charlie on Saturday. O'Neill said he's delighted to have retained Prat's services for the grueling 1 1/2-mile event.

“Generally, the pace is a lot slower going 12 furlongs but that's where having Prat helps. Not only is he a phenomenal rider, but he's riding with so much confidence right now, and he has so much confidence in this colt,” said O'Neill. “If he breaks clean, he should be forwardly placed. If they're flying, he'll back off it. If not, he should be pretty close the whole way around.”

O'Neill said Hot Rod Charlie will likely jog on the training track on Monday before some light gallops on the main track later in the week.

Stubbins, a 5-year-old son of Morning Line, boasts a record of 14-4-2-3 with purse earnings of $528,051. The dark bay finished a prominent fourth to returning rival Oleksandra in last year's Jaipur, a Breeders' Cup Win and You're In event offering a berth in the G1 Turf Sprint.

Stubbins will make his seasonal debut off a trio of sharp works at Santa Anita, including a six-furlong effort in 1:14.80 Friday on the main track.

“He's fresh and he's been working well,” said O'Neill. “He'll probably jog the whole week to keep him fresh and happy.”

The 20-year-old Lava Man was calm, cool and collected Sunday morning taking in his new surroundings.

“He's such a cool horse. He really seems to like it here,” said O'Neill.

Also arriving on Saturday evening was a trio of Belmont Stakes Racing Festival contenders conditioned by John Sadler led by Hronis Racing and David Michael Talla's G1 Santa Anita Derby-winner Rock Your World, who will look to make amends after a tough break from the gate last out when 17th in the Kentucky Derby.

He was joined on the journey by Hronis Racing and Lane's End Racing's multiple graded stakes winner Flagstaff, who is pointed to Friday's G2, $300,000 True North; and Woodford Racing's Campaign, who will start in the G2, $400,000 Brooklyn presented by Northwell Health on Belmont Stakes Day.

Sadler's travelling assistant Enrique Miranda said the trio are in good order.

“Everybody has settled in really well,” said Miranda. “Rock Your World will head out to the track tomorrow. Today, we just walked him a little bit and tomorrow they'll all begin training.”

For information and details on Belmont Stakes Racing Festival hospitality offerings, ticket packages and pricing, visit BelmontStakes.com. For full terms and conditions, visit https://www.belmontstakes.com/tickets.

For comprehensive information on health and safety protocols in effect for the Belmont Park spring/summer meet, please visit: https://www.nyra.com/belmont/visit/plan-your-visit.

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Hot Rod Charlie ‘Getting More And More Confident’ For Team O’Neill

Idle since a close third in the Kentucky Derby on May 1, Doug O'Neill's Hot Rod Charlie drilled five furlongs before Friday's first race at Santa Anita in 1:00.48, his final prep for the Grade I Belmont Stakes at a mile and one half a week from Saturday, June 5.

With Flavien Prat aboard, Hot Rod Charlie, who was accompanied by O'Neill's Hall of Fame gelding Lava Man and workmate Liam's Pride, came on Santa Anita's main track via the quarter mile chute at 12:14 p.m. PT, jogged by the Grandstand and was then set down for his work at the five furlong pole with Liam's Pride positioned about two lengths in front of him as a target.

With Prat sitting still, Hot Rod Charlie rattled off splits of 24.06 and 48.32 while gaining the advantage an eighth of a mile from the wire. With Prat remaining motionless, Hot Rod Charlie galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.62.

“Very happy with his breeze today,” said O'Neill. “Flavien was happy with the way he did it and that makes me happy. He had a good strong gallop going into this work and now he's got a strong work and gallop-out going into the race.

“We just want to stay injury-free and we're pumped up and optimistic about a week from tomorrow. This horse is getting more and more confident and he's starting to separate himself from the others. He'll leave Saturday morning at about 3 a.m., along with Lava Man, who's going to take him to the post for the Belmont.”

A winner of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby two starts back on March 20, Hot Rod Charlie, who broke his maiden at Santa Anita going a flat mile in his fourth start on Oct. 2, was third, beaten a neck three starts back by eventual Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes here on Jan. 30.

Owned by Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, LLC, Strauss Bros Racing and Gainesway Thoroughbreds, Ltd, Hot Rod Charlie, who is a Kentucky-bred colt by Oxbow, out of the Indian Charlie mare Indian Miss, is 8-2-1-3, has earnings of $1,305,700.

Prat, who won the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 15 aboard the Santa Anita-based Rombauer, made the decision to stick with Hot Rod Charlie, who skipped the Preakness, for racing's third and final jewel of the Triple Crown.

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