Classic Q ascends to G1 glory in Just A Game
Classic Q elevated herself to racing’s highest level Saturday at Saratoga, delivering a dazzling front-running performance to capture the prestigious Just A Game Stakes (G1) on Belmont Stakes day and become the newest Grade 1-winning #EclipseFilly.
Breaking sharply under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, the speedy gray filly immediately established command and never looked back, running her accomplished rivals off their feet while carving out a blazing mile in 1:32.84 over the firm turf course.
“That trip was about what we expected,” Velazquez said. “I was expecting that she’d break well, that she’d be on the lead. I tried to save her the best I could, so I’d have something left to ask for. It is nice when it works out that way. She had a good finish, but that’s what we were expecting out of her.”
Trained by Mark Casse, Classic Q once again showcased the brilliant high-cruising speed that has rapidly transformed her into one of the nation’s premier female turf milers.
Breaking sharply from the rail, the 4-year-old daughter of Classic Empire remained clear every step of the way while turning back a talented field loaded with world-class turf females. The breakthrough effort earned Classic Q a career-best 99 Beyer Speed Figure while pushing her earnings to $1,349,865.
“She’s always been talented, really talented. She’s amazing. She had double ankle surgery before she ever made her first start, that’s why she was so late getting started,” said Casse. “She’s just been unbelievable.”
The victory marked her fifth win from 15 career starts and continued a remarkable recent ascent that now includes back-to-back graded stakes victories on two of racing’s biggest days.
Last month, Classic Q wired the $1 million Churchill Downs Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2) on Kentucky Derby day in what appeared to be a breakthrough performance at the time.
Saturday proved it was no fluke.
The Just A Game was also not her first major success at Saratoga. One year ago, Classic Q delivered another front-running score at The Spa when capturing the Wild Applause Stakes as a 3-year-old.
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners along with Gary Barber and Blue Crevalle Racing, Classic Q now firmly establishes herself among the top female turf milers in North America—and perhaps still with more upside ahead.