Yoshito Yahagi trained both of Japan’s champions. The 5-year-old mare ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.67 and paid $101.80 to win under Irish jockey Oisín Murphy. Marche Lorraine edged Dunbar Road by a nose after a photo finish in the Distaff. Japan snapped an 0-for-13 skid in the Breeders’ Cup, with a stunning 45-1 upset in the $2 million Distaff and a victory in the $2 million Filly and Mare Turf. The field was reduced to eight when Express Train was scratched. Stilleto Boy was fifth, followed by Art Collector, Tripoli and Max Player. The Classic results provided balm for Cox, who didn't win with any of his other horses during the weekend. Fans chanted “Let's go Chuck!” before the race. Hot Rod Charlie, second to Essential Quality in the Belmont, was fourth. He won the $2 million Juvenile with Corniche on Friday. He agreed to the extra scrutiny and was required to pay for it out of his own pocket. And he proved it today that he's the real deal.”īaffert was allowed to enter horses in the season-ending world championships, but the event’s money-leading trainer had to meet certain conditions, including stricter out-of-competition testing of his horses and greater security at his barn. That's what racing is all about, proving it on the racetrack. The colt failed a post-race drug test after the Derby and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has yet to make a final ruling based on its investigation. Medina Spirit couldn't muster the necessary late kick to threaten Knicks Go and was second for embattled trainer Bob Baffert. “This one was very, very high on our list of races we wanted to win and we capped it off,” said Cox, who won his first Classic.Ĭox also saddled 9-5 favorite Essential Quality, who finished another length back in third. He won the Dirt Mile at last year's event and became the sixth horse to win two different Cup races. Sent off at 3-1 odds by the crowd of 26,553, Knicks Go paid $8.40 to win. I could see his ears, he was so relaxed.” “He looked like he was really enjoying what he was doing. “He broke really sharp,” said Rosario, who won his 15th Cup race. Ridden by Joel Rosario, 5-year-old Knicks Go squared off against a trio of top 3-year-olds - controversial Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality and hometown hero Hot Rod Charlie, whose ownership has San Diego ties. “I kind of felt like if they did try to go with him they may jeopardize their own opportunity to win the race.” “Speed is very dangerous,” winning trainer Brad Cox said.

He earned his fourth straight victory and in the process solidified a bid to win the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year. He had it all his own way in setting an uncontested lead and winning the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic by 2 3/4 lengths on Saturday at Del Mar. (AP) - The opposition knew Knicks Go would charge out of the starting gate.

Irad ortiz jockey