The post-position draw for the Breeders' Cup is still a few hours away, but some big decisions were made early Monday morning, with the biggest being Knightsbridge joining stablemate Sovereignty in the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday.
Bill Mott, who trains both horses for Godolphin, confirmed the decision: "They're both running in the Classic."
Knightsbridge, winner of the Pacific Classic (G1) also was pre-entered in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), but after days of discussions, the decision to run in the Classic was made.
"One of the things it boils down to is Godolphin would really love to win the Classic," Mott said. "And I think we probably have a better chance to win with two horses in it."
Junior Alvarado will be aboard Sovereignty, expected to be one of the favorites along with Forever Young; Knightsbridge will be ridden by Luis Saez.
Out of the Classic and into the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) will be Further Ado, a decision also reached this morning. Further Ado finished second to The Puma in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) last out for trainer Brad Cox. Flavien Prat has the call on Further Ado. Moving into position run in the Dirt Mile are Moonlight and T Kraft.
Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo will be entered in the Breeders' Cup Classic rather than the BC Dirt Mile. Trainer Chad Summers wasn't sure which way his team would go but was always leaning toward the Classic. After the Preakness, he ran second in the Haskell Stakes (G1) and the Travers Stakes (G1).
The post-position draw for the 14 Breeders' Cup races starts at 5 p.m. ET, but here's what the Classic field looks like this morning:
Forever Young, Sovereignty, Knightsbridge, Golden Tempo, Magnitude, Forged Steel, T O Password, and The Puma.
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