Cox will send Pegasus winner Knicks Go to Met Mile

Trainer Brad Cox told Horse Racing Nation he will point Knicks Go to the $1 million, Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap on the June 5 Belmont Stakes undercard after considering a trip to Texas for the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) on Monday.

Cox had considered the $400,000 race at Lone Star Park because of its two-turns, telling HRN earlier this month that he felt the 5-year-old son of Paynter might do better there than in the one-turn Met Mile.

Since moving to Cox’s barn for the 2020 season, Knicks Go has four wins in five starts, including last November’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and January’s Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1). All four of those victories came at two turns.

Knicks Go’s only defeat under Cox came in his last start, February’s Saudi Cup. He finished fourth at King Abdulaziz Racecourse running on a one-turn, 1 1/8-mile configuration.

In the Met Mile, Knicks Go could face C Z Rocket, whose connections also are considering the Steve Sexton Mile. That option might come more attractive without Knicks Go in the mix. Other possible starters for the Met Mile include Carter (G1) winner Mischevious Alex, Oaklawn Handicap (G2) winner Silver State and Westchester (G3) winner Dr Post.

Knicks Go worked Sunday morning at Churchill Downs, breezing five furlongs in 59.6, second best of 31 at the distance.