Knightsbridge produced the performance of the afternoon at Del Mar on Saturday, August 22, pulling clear in the closing stages to win the 36th running of the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) by six and a quarter lengths. The five-year-old, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, completed the 1ÂĽ-mile journey in 2:01.79.
Knightsbridge Wins Pacific Classic
The Godolphin-owned son of Nyquist arrived at Del Mar following a decisive victory in the Monmouth Cup five weeks earlier and carried that form across the country. The Pacific Classic represented his first start at the seaside track, but there was little sign of unfamiliarity as he handled the distance and pressure with authority.
The early stages were anything but straightforward. Knightsbridge was involved in a strong battle for the lead through the opening mile, with Full Serrano refusing to give way. The pace remained honest around the Del Mar circuit, putting the field under pressure well before the final turn.
Alvarado kept Knightsbridge engaged without asking for everything. Once the pair turned for home, the response was immediate. Knightsbridge began to edge away from Full Serrano and then extended his advantage with every stride, turning what had been a competitive contest into a decisive victory.
The Pacific Classic victory was particularly significant for Alvarado, who had earlier partnered the winner of the Del Mar Oaks (G1). The two stakes victories marked his first stakes successes at Del Mar.
Original Sin finished strongly to take second, closing from behind the leading group to finish a length and a quarter ahead of Full Serrano. Om N Joy was fourth, completing the principal order behind the first three. The official Del Mar replay lists Knightsbridge, Original Sin, Full Serrano and Om N Joy as the top four finishers.
The result continued an upward curve for Knightsbridge, who now has eight victories from 12 starts. His latest two performances, following the Monmouth Cup success, have firmly established him among the leading older horses on the American circuit.
The Pacific Classic also carries an important place on the road to the Breeders’ Cup. As one of the designated qualifying races for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the winner earns an automatic place in the championship event at Keeneland on October 31.
For Mott, the performance offered a particularly strong indication that Knightsbridge can sustain his speed over a classic distance. The horse travelled comfortably through the demanding middle stages before finding another gear when the race was there to be won.
The $1 million Pacific Classic remains Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious race and formed the centrepiece of a major Saturday programme that also featured the Del Mar Oaks (G1), Del Mar Mile (G2) and Green Flash Handicap (G2).
Knightsbridge’s six-and-a-quarter-length success gave Del Mar’s headline race a clear winner and strengthened the horse’s credentials heading towards the autumn championship programme.
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