What we learned: Pace, position help Rated R Superstar

For horseplayers who thought Rated R Superstar pulled off his surprise for the year in January when he won the Fifth Season Stakes, the 9-year-old gelding is not done winning yet. On Saturday at Oaklawn, he closed successfully in the Essex Handicap (G3) to give him his second stakes victory of 2022 and first graded-stakes win since 2018.

Two factors helped Rated R Superstar: the pace and sitting closer early.

In the Razorback Handicap (G3) last month, Thomas Shelby and Plainsman had the benefit of contesting the pace with relatively minor outside pressure from the long shot Popular Kid. This time, Popular Kid and an eager Warrior’s Charge directly followed the leading pair, followed by Hanalei’s Houdini too.

After Hanalei’s Houdini, a four-length gap separated him and Rated R Superstar in sixth, with another few lengths back to Beau Luminarie.  

Under pressure, Thomas Shelby set fractions of 23.20, 47.18 and 1:11.54.

Remember how Rated R Superstar needed to overcome 12 lengths in the Razorback, as well as both a slower half-mile and six-furlong fraction? In this race, Rated R Superstar had only eight lengths left and slightly faster fractions to help him.

Rated R Superstar made a noticeable move when approaching the far turn and then swept to the outside to take aim at Thomas Shelby and Plainsman.

With clear sailing ahead, Rated R Superstar dug down and took control of the lead. Thomas Shelby and Plainsman continued to fight for second, while the initial trailer Beau Luminarie came into the picture with a late move as well.

Rated R Superstar drew clear for a 2 1/4-length win. The Razorback winner Plainsman kept second, while the closing Beau Luminarie found his way into third and Thomas Shelby faded slightly to fourth to complete the superfecta.

Right now, Rated R Superstar looks like he can still win more graded stakes before his current campaign is done. Perhaps this gelding is not the fastest older dirt horse in training and needs some pace help to fall his way, but few active horses own a bigger heart than this one. Great job from him.

Plainsman ran another good race to finish second. This is a super-consistent 7-year-old horse with a 29: 9-7-5 record. Considering his tactical speed, he always will find himself in a great position in most of the races he competes in.

Beau Luminarie also saved ground on the far turn and made a sweeping move to the outside behind Rated R Superstar. But he delayed his rally by taking a second or two too long to get into position at the top of the stretch. He then made a nice move forward to complete the trifecta.  

Thomas Shelby faded to fourth. He did not start well and rushed into the lead heading into the first turn after the awkward break. With that said, Thomas Shelby has been burning significant money and needs to prove he can win one of these stakes races. His last win came in a starter allowance last November.

At the Grade 3 level, watch out for Rated R Superstar as his current campaign continues. With the right pace in front and a good closing position not too far from the leaders, this old gelding remains a threat.