Knicks Go facing loaded field in Breeders’ Cup Classic

A loaded DEL MAR, CALIF. — field with impressive resumes. And the Kentucky Derby winner won’t even be the favorite. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a fitting finale to the world championships, with the heavyweights battling for Horse of the Year honors.

At 5-2, Knicks Go is the early favorite for Saturday’s $6 million Classic at Del Mar. He’s one of two entries from trainer Brad Cox, who also saddles Belmont Stakes winner and 3-1 second choice Essential Quality. Both could clinch divisional honors with a victory or solid showing.

“Both horses have had great years and hopefully we can add to their resume,” said Cox, who has seven Cup wins in his career.

Knicks Go is likely to bolt out of the starting gate and set the early pace.

“We’re probably getting a pace similar or maybe even hotter than it was in the Kentucky Derby,” Cox said. “It’s very rare for a horse to do what Knicks Go can do. You don’t always see horses that are capable of running as quick as he can and clearing. He really accelerates in the turns.”

Trained by Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit, who won the Kentucky Derby and then failed a post-race drug test, is the co-third choice at 4-1, along with Belmont Stakes runner-up Hot Rod Charlie.

At last year’s Breeders’ Cup, Hot Rod Charlie was a 94-1 shot who finished second to Essential Quality in the Juvenile. He was third in the Kentucky Derby and lost again to Essential Quality in the Belmont.

The 14-race, season-ending championships began with five races Friday. Nine more will be run on Day 2.