Essential Quilty impressive in Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths OD Classic
It may have been a 9½ – furlong (1,900m) journey, but Essential Quality dove right in from the start and led every step of the way to take the $3.75-million Winston “Fanna” Griffiths OD Classic feature in commanding fashion on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
The three-year-old chestnut filly Essential Quality, who was sent off at long odds of 30-1 in the graded stakes event for native-bred three-year-olds, won by 9 lengths in a time of 2:03.0 (25.1 x 49.4 x 1:14.2 x 1:40.1).
Below, the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the race.
FIRST – ESSENTIAL QUALITY: Entered the Winston “Fanna” Griffiths after placing 11th by 99 lengths in the Jamaica Oaks. What a turnaround of form from this Sensational Slam offspring. Essential Quality was absolutely game, leading down the backstretch and into the final turn. When the jockey Raddesh Roman asked her to run, Essential Quality spurted off leaving the half-mile and enjoyed a clear advantage heading down to the line. It was an improving run from the Oral Hayden trainee and is certainly one to watch in the near future. Essential Quality has won three of eight lifetime starts and this win pushed her earnings to over $3 million.
SECOND – PRINCESS SHARON: Was expected to figure and so she did. Princess Sharon chased the winner from the start to the finish off the race. Princess Sharon has shown that she can be competitive in long races and is expected to do well as she progresses.
THIRD – RICHIE RICH: Did extremely well to earn third place here. Richie Rich came from far behind to get beaten by 11 ½ lengths from the winner. Richie Rich should continue to do well over longer races.
FOURTH – MONEY MISER: Finished a disappointing fourth by some 12 lengths. Money Miser, after finishing second in the Jamaica 2000 Guineas, the St Leger, and the Derby, was expected to run away with this trophy race. But the chestnut colt was left flat-footed and offered no challenge. Something must have gone with Money Miser as he is much better than these runners. Look for Money Miser to rebound very soon.
FIFTH – POWER FROM ABOVE: Finished a strong second to Mamma Mia in the Jamaica Oaks on August 5. Power From Above failed to follow up here, finishing off the board in a much cheaper race. Despite this, the Anthony Nunes trainee should get it right the next time out.
SIXTH – STRIKE SMART: Did what he had to do to go home with a piece of the pie.
SEVENTH – LIFE IS LIFE: Was never a winning factor.
EIGHT – BURLAP: Came into the race with a winning chance, especially after recording back-to-back wins. Burlap only showed up in the early part of the race and the pace increased at the half-mile, he was left struggling. He will be back for sure.
NINTH – CALIFORNIA GOLD: Finished some 45 lengths behind the winner. Should try his luck in the non-winners of two group
