What we learned: Classic Causeway handles distance, turf

Before Saturday, handicappers could make a valid argument that Classic Causeway needed a cutback in distance. But the son of Giant's Causeway eliminated the notion he cannot succeed in longer route races by capturing the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) at 10 furlongs over a respectable pair of European invaders in Nations Pride and Stone Age.

Classic Causeway was given unexpected luck before the race when Emmanuel, the other main American speed, mysteriously scratched earlier in the day. On paper, Emmanuel’s scratch made it easier for Classic Causeway to secure the lead, although it did not work out that way in practice.  

Rather than secure the lead early with a cushion in the opening quarter, Classic Causeway contested the lead with another European named Royal Patronage. Together, the pair ran the opening quarter of the 1 1/4-mile race in a fast 23.55.

Classic Causeway did get breathing room afterward. After running the opening quarter in company, Classic Causeway shook loose by taking a 1 1/2-length lead and continued to set the pace through a half-mile in 48.02 and six furlongs in 1:12.33. Royal Patronage still followed along in second.

At one point, Machete made a premature move, as did Napoleonic War, before Royal Patronage took back second as they rounded the far turn.

Classic Causeway went into the stretch with the lead, and he had plenty more to give despite the distance as Julien Leparoux urged him along with mostly a handride. Yet, in the Ohio Derby (G3) a few weeks ago, he had trouble holding on against Tawny Port and White Abarrio late. 

At one point in mid-stretch, Royal Patronage formed a line with Sy Dog, Grand Sonata, Stone Age and Nations Pride. But those five horses spun their wheels. On the outside, Nations Pride cut the margin to 3/4 of a length at the finish line to earn the runner-up spot over his fellow European Stone Age, but it never felt like Classic Causeway was in danger.

Classic Causeway completed the 10 furlongs in 1:59.99 and earned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure for his win. A few races earlier, McKulick finished first in the Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1) in 1:59.62 for a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Is the final time and speed figure for Classic Causeway disappointing? The fact that Classic Causeway ran slower than the fillies earlier in the card is one dark spot on his victory. But at the same time, those were highly regarded Europeans he defeated in Nations Pride and Stone Age. Plus, there is room to grow as Classic Causeway remains a developing 3-year-old likely to improve.

Perhaps nine furlongs will end up as Classic Causeway’s wheelhouse when it comes to turf racing, even if he deserves credit for winning at 1 1/4 miles.

Royal Patronage gets credit too for contesting the lead with Classic Causeway in the opening quarter and remaining within range of Classic Causeway throughout the race. Even though Royal Patronage ended up fifth at the wire, he did more running than his European counterparts.

Machete, another European with a decent record, faded to eighth after reaching third at one point. Why did he move as early as he did? The jockey made a tactical error by letting the horse go too soon.

Tiz the Bomb threw his first clunker on turf by finishing ninth. From a visual standpoint, there is little excuse for his effort as he had a decent trip. Maybe he deserves another chance from bettors before crossing him off. Sometimes horses throw bad races for no real reason. 

Classic Causeway lasted the entire 1 1/4 miles after fading in both the Ohio Derby and Florida Derby (G1) at nine furlongs, as well as throwing in a clunker in the Kentucky Derby at 1 1/4 miles. Yes, sometimes on turf horses can handle longer distances better than they can on dirt, and vice versa.

Why did Emmanuel scratch? The reason given was a clerical error. Regardless of the help from the scratch, Classic Causeway earns respect for the big win and should factor in slow to moderately paced turf routes in the future.