Classic Q Becomes a Millionaire with G2 Victory on Derby Day
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners added its newest graded stakes winner and millionaire on May 2 when Classic Q proved best in the $1 million Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by John Velazquez, the 4-year-old gray daughter of Classic Empire broke well and used her tactical speed to secure a stalking position behind the early pacesetter into the first turn of the one-mile contest. Down the backstretch, Velazquez eased an eager Classic Q into the three path in an effort to settle her, but her natural speed carried her to the lead through an opening half-mile in 47.93 seconds over the firm course.
She held a clear advantage approaching the far turn, where Velazquez guided her back toward the rail to save ground and cut the corner. Turning for home, Classic Q switched leads on cue and kicked clear, opening up on the field and saying, “come and catch me.”
From there, it became a test of resolve.
With the favored Portfolio Duration charging late on the outside, Classic Q continued to find more, digging in gamely to hold off the challenge and prevail by a neck, earning her first career graded stakes victory in a final time of 1:34.71.
“I tried to rate her, but she started getting aggressive and throwing her head,” said Velazquez. “I decided to take a long hold and see how long I could keep her there. I waited until the quarter pole, and she spurted away, which was enough to win it.”
Trained by Mark Casse, Classic Q had been ultra-competitive in graded stakes company, finishing second, third, or fourth on six occasions, often suffering narrow defeats. She turned the tables in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile—a distance that appears to suit her best.
“It’s so rewarding,” said Casse. “She’s run so hard so many times. I’m grateful we were able to get the job done in this race. She likes it here—she really likes the shorter turns.”
Already a stakes winner, Classic Q improved her record to four wins from 14 starts and pushed her career earnings past the million-dollar mark to $1,074,865 for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and partners Gary Barber and Blue Crevalle Racing.
Eclipse Founder & President Aron Wellman, along with Kelsey Marshall Hughes, Sean Tugel, and Joel Cunningham, were on hand to accept the trophy in the winner’s circle. The team later joined Churchill Downs officials in the Director’s Room for a celebratory champagne toast while watching a replay of Classic Q’s signature victory.
Later on the card, Corruption turned in a game performance to finish third in the $1.5 million Turf Classic (G1), overcoming significant trouble in the 1 1/8-mile contest. While the favored Rhetorical enjoyed a comfortable trip on the lead, Corruption found himself in tight quarters and out of position throughout much of the race.
As the field turned for home, Corruption was shuffled back to last after being caught between horses and forced to steady off heels just as the real running began. With every reason to retreat, he instead showed determination, working into the clear and rallying past six rivals to finish third and earn his first Grade 1 placing.
The effort also added $150,000 in earnings, pushing his career total to $757,775 for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and partner Harry Colburn.