Knightsbridge proves the real deal with G1 Pacific Classic romp

Knightsbridge claimed a first G1 victory in spectacular fashion as he turned the Pacific Classic into a one-horse procession at Del Mar, USA, on Saturday, 22 August, earning the Nyquist entire a potential shot at the Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

The Bill Mott-trained five-year-old was stepping up to a mile and a quarter and headed to California on the back of a comprehensive victory on his first attempt at two turns in last month’s G3 Monmouth Cup. 

Drawn widest of all in stall 11, Knightsbridge showed good early speed and duelled Full Serrano for the early lead before settling in a close second heading into the first turn as the front two strung out the field. 

Knightsbridge joined Full Serrano halfway down the back and the leaders continued to battle until the Godolphin homebred got the measure of his rival turning in. 

Asked for his effort by Junior Alvarado soon after, Knightsbridge skipped away from the field and streaked further clear inside the final furlong. The half-brother to Speaker’s Corner was eased in the final strides to score by six and a quarter lengths over Original Sin. 

Dan Pride, Chief Operating Officer, Godolphin USA, said: “Junior knew that the pace was going to be pretty strong and he knows Knightsbridge well. I’m very proud of the horse and very proud of Team Mott for putting us in this position. Everybody at the farm who raised him, another homebred, and it makes us proud to represent Dubai and his Highness Sheikh Mohammed. 

“Knightsbridge only made two turns for the first time on his last race through a variety of reasons. He has always been talented, ever since he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs three years ago. We have always loved him – there have been some starts and stops but today he showed what kind of horse he is.” 

Bill Mott said: “It was quite impressive. I thought maybe they were going a little too fast down the backside. They were going 45 and two or three, a pretty honest pace for a mile and a quarter race. They went quick but gosh he had something to finish with.” 

Junior Alvarado added: “When we got to the first turn I thought we were moving along pretty well and 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 at the same time it wasn’t like he was overly trying. He was kind of skipping over the ground. I had my hopes that when I asked him he would give me his best 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.”