Godolphin’s Kentucky-bred Knightsbridge rolled in the $1 million Pacific Classic, recording a 6 ¼-length victory in the 36th edition of the prestigious race.
The 5-year-old horse by Nyquist, who had shipped to Del Mar from the east after a smashing victory in the Monmouth Cup S. (G3) five weeks earlier in New Jersey, repeated his exceptional speed on the other coast. In a sparkling victory in the west’s richest race, Knightsbridge covered the 10 furlongs in 2:01.79.
Junior Alvarado was reunited with Knightsbridge for the Pacific Classic. He rode his mount courageously despite being put to the task by the speedy Full Serrano (ARG).. Once the winner had shaken that rival off at the head of the lane, he finished on his own.
“When we got to the first turn I thought we were moving along pretty well,” said Junior Alvarado. “At the backstretch my horse switched leads to the right and that’s when I kind of wanted to give him a little breather and kind of engage a little bit again. My horse kind of went on with him and I was getting a little worried for how we wanted to go, but he was kind of skipping over the ground. I had my hopes that when I asked him, he would give me his best right when we turned for home. It was all heart there. In the gallop out I couldn’t even pull him up. He was going so strong. He’s a horse that has a lot of talent.”
Knightsbridge earns Breeders’ Cup Classic berth
The winner’s check of $600,000 increased Knightsbridge’s bankroll to more than $1.5 million. He’s now won eight of his 12 lifetime starts. He also earned a berth into the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Oct. 31 at Keeneland through the “Win and You’re In” program.
“It was quite impressive,” said winning trainer Bill Mott. “I thought maybe they were going a little too fast down the backside. They went quick but gosh, he had something to finish with.”