Zedan Racing Stables’ Kentucky-bred Arabian Knight led all the way in the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar on Saturday, Sept. 2, and held off a late rally from Geaux Rocket Ride to win the prestigious event by a neck. The impressive victory earned Arabian Knight an automatic entry into the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in November at Santa Anita.
A Front-Running Score
Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Flavien Prat, Arabian Knight went to the lead at the break of the 1 1/4-mile test. He never looked back. Setting comfortable fractions, Arabian Knight led to the far turn before being challenged by Slow Down Andy. Arabian Knight shrugged off that bid and then held at bay a strong late surge from Geaux Rocket Ride to prevail narrowly at the wire. He covered the distance in 2:03.19. The first-place prize money of $600,000 pushed his bankroll to $1,244,275.
The Pacific Classic was just the fourth lifetime start for Arabian Knight. Previously, he won the Southwest S. (G3) by 5 ½ lengths in January and prior to the Pacific Classic, finished a close third in the Haskell S. (G1) behind winner Geaux Rocket Ride.
“He’s a nice horse and he showed it today,” said Prat. “He was running easily for me all the way around. He’s lightly raced, and I think this race will only make him better. It’s an honor to win a big race like this.”
Baffert said of the win, “Those two horses (Arabian Knight and Geaux Rocket Ride) are really good horses. The wire couldn’t come soon enough. I know it was crazy to come back here and run him at a mile and a quarter, but if you’re going to get beat, I’d rater get beat in a Grade 1. I loved the way he digs and fought, and he’s going to get better.”
Making Headlines from the Start
Arabian Knight proved popular at auction. A $2.3 million acquisition for Zedan Racing Stables from the 2022 OBS Spring Sale, Arabian Knight is a Kentucky-bred son of Uncle Mo out of the Astrology mare Borealis Night. Bred in Kentucky by Corser Thoroughbreds, Arabian Knight was consigned to the OBS sale by Top Line Sales.