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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer Bob Baffert is no stranger to success at the Gr.1 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, having won the race a record four times and finishing as runner-up on another three occasions since 2014. He is also the leading trainer in Breeders' Cup earnings, with a total of US$39,345,000 in purse money. Baffert will be looking to add another trophy to his collection on Saturday when he saddles Arabian Knight, a 3YO son of Uncle Mo with three wins in four career starts, including the recent Gr.1 Pacific Classic. Arabian Knight is a brilliantly fast horse and Baffert believes he has the potential to be a top-class performer.
Baffert's four previous Classic winners were all 3YOs who led from gate to wire in their races. Arabian Knight has also led at every call in his three career victories, and Baffert is confident that he has the ability to perform at the highest level. The colt cost US$2.3 million at auction, and a win in the Classic on Saturday would more than justify that price tag. Arabian Knight made a spectacular debut at Keeneland, winning by seven lengths, and further enhanced his reputation with a front-running victory in the Gr.3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. However, a minor setback derailed his progress, and he was forced to spend almost six months on the sidelines. He returned to action in July for the Gr.1 Haskell Stakes, but suffered the first defeat of his career.
“The race was a disaster,” Baffert said of Arabian Knight’s third-place finish in which he relinquished the lead late. “He was too fresh and wouldn’t rate on the lead. I think it showed his immaturity. But despite the outcome, we did learn from it.”
After receiving a thorough education, the horse quickly proved his worth. Just two months later, he delivered the race of his life, claiming victory at the Gr.1 Pacific Classic held at Del Mar. Despite the increased 10-furlong distance, he expertly paced himself to secure a hard-fought win. Looking back on the race, Baffert noted, "I thought he might get beat from the quarter-pole home, but he really dug it." With the horse now hitting his stride, Baffert is confident that fans will soon witness the very best he has to offer.
In anticipation of the Classic, Arabian Knight has been focused and disciplined in his training sessions, consistently delivering strong performances. His most recent workout was a remarkable 5-furlong bullet session, completed in just :59. As the competition grows increasingly fierce, Arabian Knight continues to prove that he is more than a match for any contender.
“He’s healthy, he’s working well. There have been no hiccups,” Baffert said. “He’s ready. I know this is going to be a tough race, but if he brings his ‘A’ game, I don’t really care who’s running against us. That’s my focus with him.”