Trainer Brad Cox didn't need many words to describe how Knicks Go looked to him after galloping at Gulfstream Park.
“He's as good as he's ever been. He's awesome,” Cox said.
Knicks Go is the 6-5 favorite on the morning line as he seeks to repeat in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) in the final start of his distinguished career.
Cox said he didn't mind then Knicks Go drew the rail for the sixth running of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup.
“I've always said I don't really care where they draw,” he said. “I'm more interested in how they come out of there, not where they're actually coming from. As long as he breaks the way he has in the past we'll be okay.”
Since Knicks Go is very fast, Cox said he does not worry about the horse having traffic issues from the rail.
“It's zero, zero handicap. If anything, it may be even a bonus,” Cox said. “I'm good with it. In route racing post is probably overrated.”
Knicks Go has won eight of 10 starts since being transferred to Cox – all achieved in gate-to-wire style. However, it has taken more than speed for Knicks Go to become Longines 2021 World's Best Racehorse.
When a horse with superior speed runs at longer distances, his chances of success may hinge more on how he handles the turns than how fast he is.
“He runs the turns well. He can kind of clear off on the first turn. He's a horse that when he hits his left lead he doesn't slow down much. He bounces on that left lead going into the turn and creates some separation on the first turn,” Cox said. “And on the far turn, he just puts them away. I think from the half-mile pole to the three-eighths pole, he gets a little distance. The jocks on the other horses have to go into chase mode and by the time they get to the quarter pole, he's still kind of cruising along. They can't catch him.”
Jockey Joel Rosario will be riding Knicks Go for the 10th consecutive time. Since he picked up the mount in October 2020, they have combined to win seven of nine races.
“He's always able to get him in position and he runs with confidence,” Cox said. “Joel's a good rider. Good hands. A world-class rider. We're in a good spot. He fits him awful well.”
Cox acknowledged that he and his staff are feeling the mixed emotions of preparing their star for his final career race.
“My big thing is that he's accomplished so much. He doesn't owe us anything,” Cox said. “I'm hoping he can go out on a high note with a win. We've got to get through Saturday, but I would be extremely happy for the horse if he can retire sound, healthy and happy. It's always tough when one goes out, but if he's going out in good order, healthy, I think that's big. He's not being forced out due to poor performance or health issues. I'm good with it. It's time for him to start his next career as a stallion and, hopefully, we'll get one more out of him.”
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