A powerful score by Knightsbridge in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar makes the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic even more intriguing. What promises to be one of the most competitive events in years got a little richer as this Bill Mott trained son of Nyquist joins Kentucky Derby and Belmont champion Golden Tempo, defending Breeders’ Cup Classic champ Forever Young, Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude, and Whitney victor Sovereignty as top flight contenders for their share of a $7 million purse.
Knightsbridge Enjoys A Classic Day At Del Mar
As a strong crowd enjoyed a sun-drenched Southern California day, the olfactory nerves were stimulated with the scent of the Pacific Ocean and the optics were thrilled with the eye candy of these marvelous equine athletes where the turf meets the surf. The star of the show at the Bing Crosby created playground was the five-year-old Knightsbridge as he bested ten other accomplished rivals and earned a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic starting gates.
Breaking alertly from his outside post in the Golden State’s richest annual race, this grandson of Bernardini closely stalked a fire-breathing Full Serrano through a quickly contested opening half-mile (45.94). Rolling down the backstretch over the Del Mar dirt, Knightsbridge was as cool as a cucumber as he glided towards the far turn while looking the leader in the eyes. There would be no excuses as his quick early turn of foot paved a clear path to glory. As the two frontrunners turned for home, the stage was set for another glorious chapter in the illustrious history of a race first run in 1991.
With jockey Junior Alvarado at the controls, Knightsbridge quickly ended the joust with a lengthening stride. Unseating Full Serrano, he opened up at the eighth pole and cruised home by an eased down 6 ¼ lengths. Completing his mile and a quarter journey in 2:02.28, Knightsbridge placed himself on the wall with other Pacific Classic champions like Beholder, California Chrome, and Flightline with a powerfully dominating performance.
Knightsbridge Provides Classic Answer To Distance Questions
The field for the 35th Pacific Classic was perhaps as deep as any in the history of the event. A case could be made for all, while at the same time each faced questions. The preponderance for Knightsbridge was distance. Yes, he had seven wins in eleven previous starts including four trips to the winner’s circle in Stakes company, but he had never raced a mile and a quarter and was still in search of a grade 1 victory. Contested at the same distance as the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Del Mar’s Classic would provide a measuring tape.
The Pacific Classic triumph saw Knightsbridge stand especially tall as overcame the outside post while running extremely strong throughout the entire race. Being able to carry speed in such a manner speaks volumes as to his quality and stamina. The distance question was Classically answered.
The Pacific Classic win boosted the record for Knightsbridge to eight wins, two second place finishes, and a third in twelve career starts. Owned by Godolphin, he has career earnings of $1,523,155.