While the world remains on lock down, racing continues to go on, albeit without the crowds. In last weeks’ $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Knicks Go with Joel Rosario on board, kicked off the season with a resounding wire-to-wire win, crossing the finish line 2 3/4 lengths in front of Jesus’ Team.
The five-year old son of Paynter is on a roll under trainer Brad Cox, winning his last four starts. Knicks Go was purchased as a weanling for $40,000 and then sold as a yearling for $87,000. Although he was a grade 1 winner at two, his three year old year was winless in eight starts.
Interestingly, Lasix was banned in the Pegasus. Wonder if that had an impact?
I think the lack of Lasix may have had an impact. I never like the idea of drugging a horse if it’s absolutely not necessary. I think I remember reading of one race where Sheik Maktoum etc etc etc (Godolphin Stables) was almost forced to drug his horses, because every one of the American horses were on it.
I think that taking Lasix out of the equation might change a lot of outcomes. Interestingly, Brad Cox just received his first Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer (he also trains Monomoy Girl, perhaps better known that Knicks Go). There are some who wonder whether his success at turning around horses may not be entirely due to his training techniques. It’s so hard to know these days.