The Grade III Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park is a 1 1/16-mile dirt race for horses aged four years and older, offering a purse of $500,000. This stakes race features a competitive field of seasoned runners, each vying for a share of the lucrative prize. Here’s a detailed analysis of the horses, jockeys, trainers, and pedigrees:
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees
- Red Route One (USA)
- Jockey: Keith Asmussen
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Gun Runner – Red House, by Tapit
- Overview: Red Route One is a five-year-old horse with stakes experience. His sire, Gun Runner, was a Horse of the Year and a leading sire, while his dam’s sire, Tapit, adds stamina and class. Red Route One has shown consistency in graded stakes and is a strong contender.
- Maycocks Bay (USA)
- Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
- Trainer: Michael Stidham
- Pedigree: Curlin – Bayou Belle, by Unbridled’s Song
- Overview: Maycocks Bay is a four-year-old colt with a solid pedigree. His sire, Curlin, was a two-time Horse of the Year, and his dam’s sire, Unbridled’s Song, adds speed and versatility. Maycocks Bay has been competitive in allowance company and will need to step up against this field.
- Tarantino (USA)
- Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
- Trainer: Peter Eurton
- Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile – Without Delay, by Seeking the Gold
- Overview: Tarantino is a seven-year-old horse with stakes experience. His sire, Pioneerof the Nile, was the sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and his dam adds stamina. Tarantino has been consistent in graded stakes and is a major player.
- Patriot Spirit (USA)
- Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
- Trainer: Michael Campbell
- Pedigree: Constitution – Patriot Girl, by Distorted Humor
- Overview: Patriot Spirit is a four-year-old colt with a promising pedigree. His sire, Constitution, is a leading young stallion, and his dam’s sire, Distorted Humor, adds versatility. Patriot Spirit has shown improvement in recent starts and could be a factor.
- Kinetic (USA)
- Jockey: Cristian Torres
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) – Dynamic, by Dynaformer
- Overview: Kinetic is a four-year-old colt with a strong pedigree. His sire, Candy Ride, was an undefeated champion, and his dam’s sire, Dynaformer, adds stamina. Kinetic is coming off a stakes win and is one of the top contenders.
- Speed Bias (USA)
- Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
- Trainer: Ronald E. Moquett
- Pedigree: Into Mischief – Speedy, by Storm Cat
- Overview: Speed Bias is a six-year-old horse with stakes experience. His sire, Into Mischief, is a leading stallion known for producing top-class runners, and his dam’s sire, Storm Cat, adds speed. Speed Bias has been consistent in allowance company and could surprise.
- Unload (USA)
- Jockey: Erik Asmussen
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Unload Fast, by Smart Strike
- Overview: Unload is a five-year-old horse with a solid pedigree. His sire, Uncle Mo, was a champion two-year-old, and his dam’s sire, Smart Strike, adds class. Unload has been inconsistent in recent starts but has the ability to contend.
Race Dynamics
The Essex Handicap is shaping up to be a competitive race, with several horses boasting strong pedigrees and recent form. Kinetic and Red Route One stand out as top contenders based on their consistency and class. Tarantino and Patriot Spirit also bring strong credentials and could pose a threat. The race is likely to favor horses with tactical speed and the ability to handle the 1 1/16-mile distance on dirt.
This stakes race promises to deliver thrilling action as these talented runners vie for the $315,000 winner’s share of the purse.
