All systems are go for Knicks Go following the son of Paynter’s dominating victory in Saturday’s $400,000 Lukas Classic (G3) at Churchill Downs.
The 5-year-old’s next target is the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 6 at Del Mar.
Knicks Go used his natural speed once again Saturday, going right to the lead and guiding the field through a half-mile in :47.27 with a two-length lead. Independence Hall gave chase but was left four lengths in arrears as Knicks Go crossed the wire.
The final time of 1:47.85 was just a half-second off the 1 1/8-mile track record.
“We’re excited to get this race under our belt,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He’s a fast horse and he’s dangerous when he gets to show that speed around two turns. Joel gave him an easy trip on the front end. He seemed like he was able to take a breather and open back up around the turn. On to the Breeders’ Cup.”
Knicks Go, owned by the Korean Racing Authority, has won four graded races this year and has now earned $5,553,135 lifetime.
Knicks Go’s exploits have propelled Paynter to the top of this year’s Fifth-Crop sire list, with more than $9.3 million.
