It looks like owner/trainer/one man show Tom McCarthy is sending his star colt General Quarters to contest Churchill Downs second most prestigious race; the Foster Handicap.

General Quarters was last seen scoring an upset victory in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve on the Kentucky Derby under card. It seems the son of Sky Mesa has found his home on the weeds. He will ultimately target the Grade 1 Arlington Million.

I think it was a great decision to put General Quarters on the grass. It made sense to give it a try since his biggest win came over a synthetic surface in the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes. Horses that run well on synthetic typically run well on turf, and vice versa.

General Quarters could find himself at the forefront of a division lacking in star power. The biggest names on the turf right now are Gio Ponti, Pressious Passion, and Courageous Cat. McCarthy’s colt has the potential to be better than all three.

Regardless of how good or bad he does in the Foster Handicap, this colt should stay on the turf. I think it is very clear to most of us that his best form shows up there. I’d hate to see him put in a strong second place or third place effort and then stay on the dirt. Sure, if he posts a stylish win there would be nothing wrong with keeping him on the dirt. However, I seriously doubt that will happen. With a little luck this colt could find himself in the winners circle for the Breeders Cup Turf later in the year.

What do you think about General Quarters? Where would you race him if he were yours?