National Treasure, a bay colt foaled on March 17, 2020, has rapidly ascended to prominence in the world of horse racing. By Quality Road out of Treasure, this impressive athlete represents a blend of pedigree and performance, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. With jockey Flavien Prat and trainer Bob Baffert at the helm, and a syndicate of prominent owners including SF Racing LLC and Starlight Racing, National Treasure has captured significant attention and accolades in his burgeoning career. His journey from a $500,000 yearling purchase to a millionaire earner underscores his exceptional talent and potential.
Career Statistics and Performance Highlights
National Treasure boasts a career record of 15 starts, with 4 first-place finishes, 3 second-place finishes, and 2 third-place finishes, accumulating an impressive $5,578,000 in earnings. His average earnings per start stand at a remarkable $371,867, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. National Treasure achieved a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 117, demonstrating his raw speed and ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
In 2024, National Treasure has shown exceptional form, securing 2 wins and 1 second-place finish in 5 starts, earning $3,975,000. This early success in the year highlights his continued development and readiness to take on the toughest challenges. His 2023 campaign was also highly successful, with 1 win, 1 second, and 1 third in 7 starts, amassing $1,315,000. The year 2022 saw him gain valuable experience, with 1 win and 2 other in-the-money finishes from 3 starts, earning $288,000.
Major Race Achievements
National Treasure has garnered significant honors, including being named the Eclipse Award 2024 Champion Older Dirt Male. This prestigious award recognizes his dominance and consistent top-tier performances against the best competition.
His Triple Crown highlights include a triumphant victory in the Preakness Stakes in 2023, a pivotal moment in his career that showcased his grit and capability on the national stage. Further demonstrating his elite class, National Treasure secured a second-place finish in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2023 and a third-place finish in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in 2022.
Top Rankings and Notable Races
National Treasure ranks among the elite in the sport, being ranked 6th by Earnings in 2024 and 18th by Earnings in 2023 within the Top 100 Rankings (Since 2000). These rankings reflect his substantial impact on the racing circuit.
His race record includes notable performances in prestigious events such as:
- 2024: A second-place finish in the California Crown S. (Gr. 1) at Santa Anita with an Equibase Speed Figure of 117, a win in the Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Gr. 1) at Saratoga with a speed figure of 108, and a victory in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. presented by Baccarat (Gr. 1) at Gulfstream Park with a speed figure of 114. He also competed in the Saudi Cup (Gr. 1).
- 2023: A runner-up finish in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (Gr. 1) at Santa Anita (115 speed figure), a fourth-place in the Awesome Again Stakes (Gr. 1) at Santa Anita (109 speed figure), a fifth in the Travers Stakes (Gr. 1) at Saratoga (92 speed figure), sixth in the Belmont S. Presented by NYRA Bets (Gr. 1) (94 speed figure), and his landmark win in the Preakness Stakes (Gr. 1) at Pimlico (103 speed figure). He also placed fourth in the RUNHAPPY Santa Anita Derby (Gr. 1).
- 2022: A third-place finish in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Gr. 1) at Keeneland (100 speed figure), second in the American Pharoah Stakes (Gr. 1) at Santa Anita (99 speed figure), and a maiden special weight win at Del Mar (92 speed figure). He also secured a third in the Sham Stakes (Gr. 3) at Santa Anita.
National Treasure’s racing achievements highlight his consistent ability to perform at the highest echelons of Thoroughbred racing, solidifying his status as a champion.
