Left alone on the lead, there was no one catching Knicks Go in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The 5-year-old son of Paynter took the field every step of the way Saturday at Del Mar to win the 2021 running of the Grade 1, $6 million Classic. He covered 1¼ miles under jockey Joel Rosario in 1:59.57, returning $8.40 at 3-1 odds.
Rosario earned the 15th Breeders’ Cup victory of his career, and trainer Brad Cox notched his eighth.
“He’s a tremendous horse, a champion now,” Cox told NBC.
Finishing second through fourth were a trio of 3-year-olds: Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, Belmont Stakes hero Essential Quality and Pennsylvania Derby victor Hot Rod Charlie.
Knicks Go broke sharply and was not challenged for the lead by fellow frontrunner Medina Spirit. He took the field through steady fractions of 23.16, 46.14 and 1:10.04 through the first six furlongs.
There were questions coming into Saturday if Knicks Go would be able to tackle 1¼ miles for the first time in his career. But he had plenty left in the tank once in the stretch, cruising to a 2¾-length win that should cement Horse of the Year honours.
Knicks Go also earned Grade 1 wins this season at Gulfstream Park in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and Saratoga in the Whitney Stakes.
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Excellent run by Knicks Go; this is my favorite running style for a thoroughbred race horse; go to the front from the off, put the rest of the field under pressure from the get go; then kick from them in the stretch. BRILLIANT!!! and note, Joel Rosario did not use the whip on Knicks go, NOT ONCE!!!
A special note of commendation for Quick Gallop, your coverage of local(Jamaican) and international horse racing is exemplary, keep up the great work; it is indeed appreciated, especially from the Jamaican community residing outside of Jamaica
Mark, Quickgallop graciously accepts your commendation. We try our best to make our coverage comprehensive and timely. As to Knicks Go it was truly a Classic run. Thanks for supporting Quickgallop.