Win and You're In: Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Update: Whitney Stakes
The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series presented by America's Best Racing comprises some of the greatest contests from around the globe. The “purple” and “white” honors each winner by waiving the $150k in entry fees, plus it provides a $10k nomination award and $10k travel allowance to the Breeders' Cup World Championships. As they like to say … “Win and You’re In” …
At HorseRacing.net/us, we will be reporting on those that earn their spot in early November. Not only will we have you covered with all the selections, but our crack analysis team will offer juicy long shots, along with all the stories from Del Mar! Stay tuned …
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Saturday @The SPA …
Race 10: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Whitney S. (G1), $1 Million, 4+
“Win and You’re In” … Knicks Go, BC Classic (G1), $6 Million
The Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at NYRA's Saratoga Race Course came up with what could easily be termed a well-matched field of older runners, which included a celebrated filly. With By My Standards #1, Silver State #2, Swiss Skydiver #3, Knicks Go #4, and Maxfield #5, everyone knew it was going to be an exciting contest befitting the historic racetrack. As post time approached it was Brad Cox's Knicks Go #4 who had the eye of the majority of the betting public at the short price of 1/1.
Most believed that his greatest asset, his frontend speed, would be his weapon with Joel Rosario in the saddle. At the break, as Gabe Saez's mount By My Standards #1 nearly went to his knees, it was Irad Ortiz who aggressively brought Kenny McPeek's Swiss Skydiver #3 to the front. She gave Cox's runner a bit of duel, but the filly backed off. Rosario shot to the gray to the lead, and under some stiff fractions never let up. At the top of the lane, it looked as though he might be caught by an advancing barrage, led by Silver State #2 and Maxfield #5, but it was not to be.
Cox had his prize runner, who was once in the barn of Ben Colebrook, primed for a victory. Now, the speedster whose unique style is unlike any routers in North America, is headed to Del Mar and the $6 Million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). Knicks ... he went today in the Whitney (G1).
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It’s the Breeders’ Cup … as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club once again hosts! Enjoy …