Nick Shiambouros returns with a preview of the Pegasus World Cup from beautiful Gulfstream Park...
"I am going to have a decent bet of Knicks Go as he appears to have everything in his favour on his final start"
Back Nicks Go Race 12 @ 2.47/5 in the 22:34 at Gulfstream
Knicks Go to bow out in style
Race 12 22:34 Gulfstream - Knicks Go
Knicks Go is taken to win this prestigious race before beginning his stud career at Taylor Made Stallions in Kentucky.
This smart performer beat Medina Spirit and Essential Quality in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar last November. He made all the running, and found plenty inside the final furlong to score in great style. This was the performance of the year in my opinion. He beat a stellar field, and missed breaking the track record by .46 of a second. Knicks Go is unbeaten at the nine furlong distance and is drawn on the inside in stall one. Jockey Joel Rosario has no option other than sending him straight to the lead from the gate. He will face pace pressure from Life Is Good, who has blistering early speed.
Life Is Good is the obvious danger to the selection, but is unproven at the distance. I was on hand at the Spa when he tasted defeat for the first time when finishing second to Jackie's Warrior in the H. Allen Jerkins. He was caught in a speed duel and paid the price close home. He has so much speed that jockey Irad Ortiz may have to send him early to challenge Knicks Go for the lead.
This is one of the most anticipated races in a while and promises to be a classic. If the two favourites hook up then Sir Winston could swoop late at a big price. He has a bit to find with Knicks Go and Life Is Good, but will be suited by a very fast pace.
I am going to have a decent bet of Knicks Go as he appears to have everything in his favour on his final start. He will be missed.