The $500,000 Essex Handicap (G3) marked the most lucrative career victory for jockey Micah Husbands, 23, who had never been aboard millionaire grade 1 winner Skippylongstocking before March 21. Saturday also marked the first time Husbands had ridden at Oaklawn Park, with the Essex his first Oaklawn victory.
"Everything was a first for me," Husbands said moments after the Essex.
The Essex was the 12th career stakes victory—all graded—for Skippylongstocking, lifting his earnings to $5,746,250. The 7-year-old son of 2016 Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Exaggerator is 14 of 37 overall. Skippylongstocking was exiting a victory in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.
"Proud that Micah was able to step up in the position that we needed and handle the pressure," trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said moments after the Essex.
Skippylongstocking was to depart March 22 for his South Florida base. The Essex was a major local prep for the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at 1 1/8 miles April 18, but Joseph said Skippylongstocking is likely headed to the Alysheba Stakes (G2) May 1 at Churchill Downs.
Skippylongstocking won the 2024 Oaklawn Handicap and ran third last year, but stablemate White Abarrio, a millionaire grade 1 winner, is pointing to this year's edition.
"We're going to consider the Oaklawn Handicap, but it's definitely 80% Alysheba," Joseph said. "That makes the most sense right now, timing-wise. You always want to keep all options open, but right now it's the Alysheba."
Skippylongstocking's winning time in the Essex was a meet-best 1:48.82. He carried top weight of 124 pounds, spotting his seven rivals 6 or 7 pounds.
"He made it look easy," Joseph said.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
