NEWS
The Usual Q. T. takes Sir Beaufort
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009 8:30 PM
To view a video replay of the Sir Beaufort Stakes, click here.
by Mike Curry
The Usual Q. T. reeled off his sixth straight victory with a clear score in the $100,000 Sir Beaufort Stakes (G3) on Saturday, one of three graded stakes on Santa Anita Park’s opening day card for the winter-spring meeting.
Perhaps no horse in the three-year-old division has flown under the radar more than The Usual Q. T. this season, but those days might be over as the Unusual Heat gelding was sent off as the overwhelming 2-to-5 favorite in the nine-horse field, following victories in the Oak Tree Derby (G2) and Hollywood Derby (G1).
He stalked pacesetter Quoted from fourth under Joel Rosario while racing comfortably. When it came time to accelerate entering the stretch, The Usual Q. T. shifted gears on cue. He surged to the lead from five wide and finished a length clear of a trio of challengers to extend his winning streak to six
"He loves to run, he loves to win and he's very game; that gives me a lot of confidence,” Rosario said. “I've been working really hard to get my business together for this meet and it's great to get off to a good start like this on opening day."
Trained by James Cassidy for owners Don Van Kempen, Michael Nentwig, George Saadeh, and Jeffrey Byer, The Usual Q. T. did not break his maiden until his sixth career start in August at Del Mar. Since then, he has put together an impressive string of victories, including four straight stakes wins.
"He hasn't surprised me, the way he's developed,” Cassidy said. “His style is consistent. What can I tell you? He's been fabulous.
“I'm leaning towards the Sunshine Millions [Turf Stakes on January 30 at Gulfstream Park for his next race].”
Out of the winning Western Fame mare Lunge, The Usual Q. T. has won six of 11 starts and earned $516,670.
Gallant Son edged Massone by a neck for second. Riviera Cocktail was another nose back in fourth.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
