Arabian Knight Shines in Final BC Classic Tune-up

Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) winner Arabian Knight put in his final tune-up for the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Monday at Santa Anita Park, working five furlongs in :59. Racing for the colors of Zedan Racing Stables, the 3-year-old son of Uncle Mo is trained by four-time Breeders' Cup Classic-winning conditioner Bob Baffert. The trainer has established a familiar pattern of running in—and winning—the Breeders' Cup Classic. On Saturday, Baffert will follow this same pattern when he cinches the saddle on Arabian Knight, his latest hope to collect another trophy in the 1 1/4-mile event. The colt has won three of his four career starts, including the Sept. 2 Pacific Classic at the same distance, and already surpassed $1 million in earnings. While he will enter the race as the most lightly raced, the sky remains the limit on his potential. But what's an even more familiar pattern is the profile of the four winners he has trained. All four—Bayern (2014), American Pharaoh (2015), Arrogate (2016), and Authentic (2020)—were 3-year-olds and led every step of the way, from gate to wire, in each of their races. Arabian Knight, also in his 3-year-old year, is brilliantly fast, having led at every call in his three career victories. "We always thought of him as a top-class horse," Baffert said. "You could see that as a yearling, which is why he cost us a pretty penny." The colt fetched $2.3 million in the sales ring as a 2-year-old. A victory Saturday, worth $3.6 million, would more than justify the lofty purchase price. Arabian Knight made an auspicious career debut, launching himself onto the racing scene with a spectacular 7 1/4-length victory on the undercard of the 2022 Breeders' Cup program at Keeneland. So impressive was the win that the running line reported the colt finishing the race "wrapped up." The race boldly inserted his name into the conversation of potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders. He further solidified that reputation by shipping to Oaklawn Park and easily capturing the Southwest Stakes (G3) around two turns by daylight in front-running fashion over a sloppy racing surface, launching his 3-year-old campaign. But a minor setback knocked him off the Derby trail and to the sidelines for nearly six months. When he returned to racing in July, it wasn't for some minor prep race, rather for the Haskell Stakes (G1), always considered a barometer for divisional leadership among 3-year-olds. He was the heavy favorite despite the time away, but the race resulted in his first career defeat. "The race was a disaster," Baffert said of Arabian Knight's third-place finish in which he relinquished the lead late. "He was too fresh and wouldn't rate on the lead. I think it showed his immaturity. But despite the outcome, we did learn from it." That education paid quick dividends. Two months later he ran the best race of his life winning the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, rationing out his speed over the increased 10-furlong distance to win a hard-fought decision. "That was a good race," Baffert recalled. "I thought he might get beat from the quarter pole home, but he really dug in. Now he's finally getting into form where we're going to see the best of him. "He's healthy, he's working well. There have been no hiccups," Baffert said. "He's ready. I know this is going to be a tough race, but if he brings his 'A' game, I don't really care who's running against us. That's my focus with him." Arcangelo Misses Second Day of Training Likely Breeders' Cup Classic favorite and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo walked a second morning after his left rear shoe was removed Saturday afternoon. The shoe was removed Saturday after trainer Jena Antonucci felt a little warmth in the colt's hind left foot. “He just walked today," Antonucci said. "I wasn’t able to get the shoe back on yet. He walked for about 45 minutes. There’s no reason not to have an extra walk day on him. He’s pretty fresh back there, so I probably won’t be able to get many more walks on him. I’m happy with the direction it’s going. Everything is going the right way.” The shoe has not been replaced yet. Arcangelo last worked Oct. 25, going four furlongs in :47 2/5 at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old son of Arrogate also landed victories in the Travers (G1) and Peter Pan Stakes (G3) this season.