Barn Tour: Cox on his stable stars and 2 promising juveniles

If Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality justifies his status as an overwhelming favorite in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course and comes out of the race well, trainer Brad Cox will have the kind of problem his counterparts can only envy.

He would have two prime contenders on a collision course for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Del Mar, on-the-engine Whitney Stakes (G1) winner Knicks Go and versatile Essential Quality.

“It’s a good position to be in,” Cox said. “They don’t have the same style, so they shouldn’t affect each other in a race.”

Still, only one horse can bring home the lion’s share of the $6 million purse, guaranteeing at least one disappointed owner. Knicks Go, who has Joel Rosario as his regular rider, is owned by the Korea Racing Authority; Essential Quality, piloted by Luis Saez, is a Godolphin homebred.

“Would I love to have two horses like that in two different $6 million races? Yes, absolutely,” Cox said. “But both horses have earned the right and have proven themselves. And if we’re fortunate to be in that position, we’ll let them sort it out on the racetrack.”

Cox’s record-tying four Breeders’ Cup victories last season helped vault him to his first Eclipse Award as the leading trainer in North America. The best news for him is that his task is clear.

“My job is to have each individual perform to the best of their ability on the day,” he said, “and then I take myself out of the equation.”

Cox offered insight into some of his finest stock during a Barn Tour for Horse Racing Nation:

Essential Quality. Cox could not be more upbeat about his 2-year-old champion. Essential Quality overcame a wide trip to capture the Jim Dandy (G2) and shows two solid works since that Travers prep.

Cox: “Our goal since the Kentucky Derby was to have him at his best Travers Day from a mental and physical standpoint. I feel he’s right where we want him.”

Knicks Go. The rousing gate-to-wire Whitney winner is expected to breeze Friday or Saturday at Saratoga to begin preparations in earnest for the Oct. 2 Lukas Classic (G3). The 1 1/8-mile contest at Churchill Downs will serve as a prep for the Classic.

“I’m happy with how he came out of the Whitney. He’s doing really well," Cox said.

Shedaresthedevil. The Sept. 18 Locust Grove Stakes (G3), run at 1 1/16-miles at Churchill Downs, will be used as a steppingstone to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. The 4-year-old daughter of Daredevil secured a fees-paid berth in the $2 million Distaff by capturing the Aug. 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. The outcome was significant for reasons beyond the win.

“We’re excited that she took to the ship and took to the surface," Cox said.

Monomoy Girl. The 6-year-old daughter of Tapizar was scheduled to resume training Thursday at Ellis Park. The two-time champion has been sidelined by muscle soreness and a strained hamstring since Letruska bested her by a nose in the April 17 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

It is almost inconceivable that the two-time Distaff winner has enough time to return to defend her title in that event.

“It would be a long shot at this point,: Cox said. "I would certainly never say never, but I don’t know if we have enough time.”

Warrior’s Charge. The 5-year-old son of Munnings looks to be a prime contender in the $800,000 Charles Town Classic (G2) on Friday as he attempts to snap a five-race losing streak. He placed second in the June 26 Stephen Foster (G2) in his most recent start.

“He’s training as well as he can train, so we’re expecting a big effort out of him," Cox said.

Mandaloun. Juddmonte’s Kentucky Derby runner-up (as of now) is being freshened and is expected to return to the barn in early fall to gear up for the Saudi Cup next February. The Into Mischief colt won the July 17 Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park via disqualification in his most recent effort.

“The family has made it clear they would love an opportunity to run in the Saudi Cup," Cox said. "How we get there, I don’t know. But that’s our goal.”

Caddo River. The Arkansas Derby (G1) runner-up continues to receive time off following his disappointing sixth-place finish in the June 5 Woody Stephens (G1) at Belmont Park.

“He’ll be back, maybe in a few weeks," Cox said.

Girl With a Dream. The 2-year-old Practical Joke filly is being pointed toward the Sept. 5 Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. There was much to like about her successful debut on July 24.

“She’s been here (at Saratoga) since she broke her maiden at Ellis Park," Cox said. "She was a nice winner first time out.”

Matareya: This Pioneerof the Nile filly, a Godolphin homebred, was a geared-down winner at six and a half furlongs on Aug. 20 at Ellis Park. Cox: “She’s a nice filly. We’re seeing some good figures out of her maiden performance. She’s probably going to run in a graded stakes next time out. I’m not sure which one. I think she’s got a bright future.”