Hearing or seeing the name of Charles Howard sends the mind into a state of time travel. One of California racing's most prominent owners in the 1930s and 40s, Howard saw his share of success on both the Northern and Southern circuits in those years.

Along with winning scores of races, Howard was the proud owner of popular and immensely talented Thoroughbreds throughout his time as an owner. Inevitably, Howard's name is forever linked with the popular champion Seabiscuit, who became a symbol of hope to fans during the Great Depression as he journeyed from claimer to champion.

But the Biscuit was not the only top level racehorse in the Howard stable back then. During that time, an Argentine-bred joined the barn. And when all was said and done, he made certain he would be anything but obscure or only just remembered as a stablemate to one of the greatest horses that ever lived.

Whereas Seabiscuit found mixed results before hitting his best stride, Kayak II established his class and consistency from the beginning. He spent the early part of his career back East, finishing third or better in every start during the 1938 season. He actually debuted (and finished second) at Aqueduct on June 10, 1938, the day Hollywood Park opened. While the two entities shared that interesting link, Kayak II would have his moment at the Track of the Lakes and Flowers later on.

Kayak II's first season of competition saw him able to adapt to various tracks (Aqueduct, Laurel, Suffolk Downs), win sprinting or routing, and handle an off track. As for 1939, he had a new circuit to conquer in Southern California, and trainer Tom Smith brought him to Santa Anita for the annual winter meeting. What followed next was an excellent season for brown Congaree colt.

In five starts at the Arcadia track, Kayak II found the winner's circle four times, the lone blemish a third against allowance company. He also got his first taste of stakes glory at that time, winning the San Carlos Handicap before giving Howard and Smith their first victory in the Santa Anita Handicap for the biggest win of his career. But despite prevailing in the famed "Hundred Grander," Kayak II had not reached the apex of his career yet.

The second half of 1939 went just as well for Kayak II as the first half had. He started it off with a daylight victory in the July 4 American Handicap at Hollywood Park, and he followed that up with a history-making performance in the Hollywood Gold Cup over two weeks later. Scoring a win in the latter was a big accomplishment by itself. But Kayak II raced his way into racing lore as the first horse to sweep the Big 'Cap and Gold Cup in the same season. That double has stood the test of time, for only seven other horses have been able to match Kayak II in that regard. And those three months made for two of the finest moments in the career of this excellent horse.

Not relenting on form, Kayak II finished first or second in all his remaining starts for 1939. Like Seabiscuit, Kayak II could be called nomadic, and he traversed along the Eastern circuits again during that phase in his career. Many took notice of his fantastic work, for Kayak II earned a richly deserved prize in Top Handicap Horse for the season. One year after Seabiscuit's Horse of the Year and Top Handicap Horse campaign, the Howard barn proudly owned another Thoroughbred champion.

Kayak II wasted no time getting 1940 started, finishing second in the New Year Handicap at Santa Anita. The rest of the meet turned out to be mixed back, as Kayak II experienced his first off the board result in the San Carlos. But he still proved to be competitive, taking second in the San Antonio and Santa Anita Handicaps. It was in the latter that one might remember Kayak II's name, for Joe Hernandez called him and Seabiscuit home as the two horses scored a one-two in the Biscuit's career finale. Though he missed out on a repeat, Kayak II did well for himself against a large Big 'Cap field.

As for the remainder of 1940, Kayak II started three more times. The lone highlight came in a head victory in the Sunset Handicap, which was bookended by some more finishes out of the money. He returned for one final race in 1941, getting second against allowance company at Santa Anita.

Overall, Kayak II not only had a successful career at the races, he earned respect. Like the Biscuit, Kayak II took in the most money from bettors more often than not. And his Top Handicap title in 1939 only enhances the fact people knew how good he truly was.

Though Seabiscuit was unquestionably the most successful and popular horse of his era, Kayak II gained attention and accolades in his own right. Given all the races he won or placed in, it was impossible not to notice him.

And anyone who saw the colt in person found themselves watching a terrific horse when he was in action. To finish third or better in twenty-three of twenty-six starts (including winning fourteen races) requires talent and strength. And you could find both in Kayak II.

Arguably underrated today, Kayak II stands as one of California's most memorable Thoroughbreds of his era.