Champion Knicks Go has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite after the post-position draw for Saturday's 38th running of the $6 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar Racetrack in California.
The Classic, which will feature nine of the top 3-year old and older horses in the world, will be run on the dirt at 1.25 miles. It's the featured event on the two-day, 14-race card. On Friday, five juvenile races will be run on the dirt and turf courses at Del Mar before Saturday's nine-race slate, with every race boasting a minimum of a $1 million purse.
Trained by Brad Cox, Knicks Go is one of the sport's top older horses, having won his last three races ahead of the Classic. The son of Paynter has raced 23 times (9-3-0 | Win-Place-Show), highlighted by his triumph in this year's Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park in Florida.
Looking and feeling good, #BC21@Longines Classic contender Essential Quality is on the track and is seeming to love these Southern California mornings! ⛅️ pic.twitter.com/LnmdxVcLdR
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 3, 2021
Cox might have the best chance of winning the Classic more than anyone else in the race's history that has spanned close to four decades. He also trains second-choice Essential Quality (3-1), who won the 2020 Juvenile prior to this year's stellar 3-year-old campaign that saw him take the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Stakes in New York.
Medina Spirit (4-1), who crossed the line first in this year's Kentucky Derby for trainer Bob Baffert, shares the spot as co-third betting choice with Hot Rod Charlie. The latter finished third in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Belmont on the Triple Crown trail.
The Action Network will be providing in-depth coverage, with analysis, odds and picks leading up to the big weekend in the world of thoroughbred horse racing. Stay tuned for detailed insight and betting analysis from handicappers Mike Conti and Jeremy Pond, who will provide their picks for the races.
Here's a look at the Classic's field, post positions and current odds.
2021 Breeders' Cup Classic
| POST POSITION | HORSE | ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tripoli | 15-1 |
| 2 | Express Train | 20-1 |
| 3 | Hot Rod Charlie | 4-1 |
| 4 | Essential Quality | 3-1 |
| 5 | Knicks Go | 5-2 |
| 6 | Art Collector | 8-1 |
| 7 | Stilleto Boy | 30-1 |
| 8 | Medina Spirit | 4-1 |
| 9 | Max Player | 8-1 |
