The field for Saturday’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland is taking shape, with Knightsbridge and Napoleon Solo officially targeting the Classic, while Further Ado will compete in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
Pacific Classic (G1) winner Knightsbridge will join stablemate and 2025 Horse of the Year Sovereignty in the Classic, giving Godolphin and trainer Bill Mott two chances at victory.
“They’re both running in the Classic,” Mott said. “It was a team decision (officials from Godolphin and Mott’s staff), something we talked about this week. We have gone back and forth. We had a whole list of different reasons why to run in the (Dirt) Mile and why to run in the Classic. One of the things it boils down to is Godolphin would really love to win the Classic and we probably have a better chance of having two horses in there than just one.”
Junior Alvarado will ride Sovereignty, while Luis Saez gets the mount on Knightsbridge.
Trainer Chad Summers also confirmed that Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo will contest the Classic rather than the Dirt Mile.
“We were waiting on what Godolphin wanted to do (with Knightsbridge), but we made the decision to go to the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” Summers said. “To me, it was a conversation with the team about who he is and what his resume has been up to this stage. We thought he was very brave in defeat going the 10-furlong distance the last time out in the Travers. We felt like he deserved another opportunity at 10 furlongs here. He’ll be wearing the yellow saddle towel the rest of the week.”
Meanwhile, Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Further Ado will target the Dirt Mile for trainer Brad Cox and Spendthrift Farm.
“We just think that this gives him the best opportunity to win a race,” Cox said.
Sovereignty, Magnitude Impress Ahead of Classic
Mott also reported that Sovereignty exited Sunday’s half-mile workout in :48 1/5 at Keeneland in excellent condition.
“He’s over there sleeping. He’s lying down. He’s relaxed. He’s not nervous like me. All the reports are good,” Mott said.
Fellow Classic contender Magnitude returned to the track Monday following his final workout Saturday, drawing high praise from trainer Steve Asmussen.
“He looked beautiful,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He is going over the racetrack really well. His energy level is excellent. I think his demeanor is just nice, relaxed and confident. At this stage, he knows what’s expected of him. I love the acceptance that he’s showing that he’s up to it.”
With the major decisions finalized, attention now turns to the post-position draw as the contenders prepare for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.
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