Essential Quality handles Southwest slop, stays unbeaten
Essential Quality won the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. It was his first start since last November's Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Jackie's Warrior finished second, with Spielberg third. The Godolphin homebred picked up another 10 points on the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Trainer Cox earned 2020 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer. He has four of his runners won Breeder's Cup events. Cox is looking for a breakthrough score at the Derby in two months. The Southwest was originally supposed to run on February 15, but was delayed 12 days due to harsh winter conditions at Hot Springs, Ark., track.
