What we learned: Early lead aids Arabian Knight in Pacific Classic

Once again, trainer Bob Baffert captured another Grade 1 dirt race with another loose pacesetter. This time, the talented 3-year-old Arabian Knight secured the lead early in the Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar and held off the closers to pick up the first Grade 1 win in only his fourth career start.  

In contrast to his trip in the Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth, this time Arabian Knight controlled the Pacific Classic from the onset rather than let another speed horse wear him out in the first quarter. The trip made the difference in how he fared in the end when Slow Down Andy and Geaux Rocket Ride both tried to pass him in the stretch and failed.

Jockey Flavien Prat on Arabian Knight noticeably paid attention to the long shot Piroli by keeping him wide before the first turn. By keeping Piroli wide, Arabian Knight discouraged Piroli from pressuring him once he crossed over to a more suitable path as they rounded the turn.

With a one-length cushion over Piroli established, Arabian Knight posted early fractions of 23.55 and 46.60 seconds, which seem on the fast side for 10 furlongs. But controlling the race and holding the slight cushion over Piroli in second made a difference in helping him reserve energy.

As the horses rounded the far turn, Piroli faded from the picture. But Arabian Knight now faced a serious threat from Slow Down Andy, who moved within a head of Arabian Knight at one point and looked almost ready to pass him at the top of the stretch.

But Slow Down Andy's run stalled after taking the turn a bit wide, and Arabian Knight continued to hold a minor advantage over him.

Arabian Knight held Slow Down Andy at bay, but in the last few moments he needed to last against a fast-moving Geaux Rocket Ride, who discovered his best stride in the last few moments of the race. In this case, the wire helped Arabian Knight by coming up when it did. 

Even though his lead was diminishing, Arabian Knight had enough to hold on and prevail by a neck over Geaux Rocket Ride. Slow Down Andy finished 1 1/2 lengths behind in third after hanging late, while Señor Buscador turned in a good rally for fourth to finish 2 1/2 lengths back.

In the Haskell, the long shot Awesome Strong made a suicidal move by grabbing the lead early from Arabian Knight and forcing him to go fast in the opening quarter as they contested the lead. By the time Arabian Knight took over, the damage had been done.

This time, Arabian Knight worked to secure a comfortable lead with his early tactics against Piroli before the first turn, and he took advantage of that trip in order to hold off Slow Down Andy and Geaux Rocket Ride.

Arabian Knight completed the 10 furlongs in 2:03.10. As of this writing, neither the Beyer Speed Figure nor TimeformUS Speed Figure was posted yet.

Whether Arabian Knight can win the Breeders’ Cup Classic depends on whether he can secure an uncontested lead. When Baffert pacesetters control the race, they tend to become nearly impossible to pass, as Arabian Knight demonstrated Saturday. When those same horses need to contest the pace or stalk, the outcome is not as certain. 

If horseplayers out there liked Geaux Rocket Ride before the Pacific Classic, then no reason exits to jump off the ship after his runner-up finish. He closed well against a talented Baffert horse who had a loose lead, and there is nothing wrong with that considering the scenario. 

Assuming the connections want to try the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Geaux Rocket Ride can turn the tables on Arabian Knight, although he will need to worry about facing Arcangelo and other quality horses.

Slow Down Andy turned in one of the best efforts of his career by finishing third. He would fit in either the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile or Classic. But as a bettor, he feels more reliable to use in underneath spots rather than on top no matter which race he ends up competing in.

Señor Buscador posted one of the best efforts of his career too. Similar to Slow Down Andy, he fits well in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile or Classic. This late closer might not win the Classic, but he always poses a threat to complete the trifecta or superfecta.

Arabian Knight’s trainer might not hold favor in the public’s eye at the moment. Nevertheless, this colt did everything he needed to do in to win the Pacific Classic. If the Classic lacks another pacesetter besides him, the same story may play out and the lone Baffert speed would prevail again.