KNICKS GO: IS BRAD COX’S BREEDERS’ CUP DIRT MILE WINNER HORSE RACING’S NEXT PEGASUS WORLD CUP CHAMP?

Launched in 2017, in just four short years the Pegasus World Cup has captured the attention of the horse racing industry, celebrities and fans from around the world and has established itself as a premier event on the thoroughbred calendar featuring some of the finest domestic and international runners.

Nobody could catch up to 2021 Pegasus front runner the thoroughbred Knicks Go in his three starts in 2020, a season that culminated with a pair of track-record, wire-to-wire performances at Keeneland Racetrack, Kentucky – inclusive of victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Both wins came after Knicks Go was transferred to racehorse trainer Brad Cox at the beginning of his 4-year-old campaign. Cox is responsible for stars such as Monomoy Girl, Aunt Pearl and Essential Quality.

Korea Racing Authority’s Knicks Go aiming to the 2021 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park is no flash in the pan.

He was a Grade 1 winner at 2, dominating Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity in gate-to-wire fashion before going on to finish second behind Game Winner in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, a big performance that began a streak of 10 consecutive losses that continued through the end of his 3-year-old season.

But Knicks Go has been rejuvenated since teaming up with Cox, who is confident the powerful dappled son of Paynter will have no problem stretching out to 1 1/8 miles for the first time Saturday.
Jockey Joel Rosario, who was aboard Knicks Go for each of his record-setting victories, has the mount once again.

--
Pegasus World Cup field 2021
1. Sleepy Eyes Todd, (Miguel Angel Silva, Jose Ortiz).
2. Coastal Defense, (Dale Romans, Corey Lanerie).
3. Independence Hall, (Mike McCarthy, Flavien Prat).
4. Knicks Go, (Brad Cox, Joel Rosario).
5. Jesus’ Team, (Jose D’Angelo, Irad Ortiz Jr.).
6. Kiss Today Goodbye, (Eric Kruljac, Mike Smith).
7. Tax, (Danny Gargan, Luis Saez).
8. Harpers First Ride, (Claudio Gonzalez, Angel Cruz).
9. Last Judgment, (Mike Maker, Paco Lopez).
10. Code of Honor, (Shug McGaughey, Tyler Gaffalione).

Pegasus World Cup past winners
2020 Mucho Gusto, (Irad Ortiz Jr. / Bob Baffert)
2019 City of Light, (Javier Castellano / Michael W. McCarthy)
2018 Gun Runner, (Florent Geroux / Steven M. Asmussen)
2017 Arrogate (Mike Smith / Bob Baffert)

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile past winners
2020 Knicks Go
2019 Spun to Run
2018 City of Light
2017 Battle Of Midway
2016 Tamarkuz
2015 Liam's Map
2014 Goldencents
2013 Goldencents
2012 Tapizar
2011 Caleb's Posse
2010 Dakota Phone
2009 Furthest Land
2008 Albertus Maximus
2007 Corinthian
----------

About World Horse Racing:

We get you closer to the racing you love, taking you behind the scenes to meet the greatest trainers, jockeys and horses - along with the rising stars. And if you’re new to the sport, we’ll help you learn what makes horse racing such an unforgettable experience.

Facebook: /worldhorseracing
Twitter: @WHR
Instagram: @worldhorseracing