Breeders’ Cup Classic Fields Take Shape: Knightsbridge, Napoleon Solo Commit to $7 Million Feature; Further Ado Shifts to Dirt Mile

The post-position draw for the Breeders’s Cup is still a few hours away, but some big decisions were made early Monday morning, with the biggest being Knightsbridge joining stablemate Sovereignty in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday.

Bill Mott, who trains both horses for Godolphin, confirmed the decision: “They’re both running in the Classic.”

Knightsbridge, winner of the Pacific Classic (G1), was also pre-entered in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1), but after days of discussions, the decision to run in the Classic was finalized.

“One of the things it boils down to is Godolphin would really love to win the Classic,” Mott said. “And I think we probably have a better chance to win with two horses in it.”

Junior Alvarado will be aboard Sovereignty, expected to be one of the favorites along with Forever Young. Knightsbridge will be ridden by Luis Saez.

Further Ado Passes on Classic, Will Run in Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Switching spots once again, Further Ado will bypass the Breeders’ Cup Classic and instead compete in the Dirt Mile (G1). This decision came after much deliberation this morning. Further Ado finished second to The Puma in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) last out for trainer Brad Cox. Flavien Prat has the call aboard Further Ado, while Moonlight and T Kraft will fill out the Dirt Mile lineup.

Napoleon Solo Will Run in Breeders’ Cup Classic

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo has opted to run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic instead of the Dirt Mile. Though trainer Chad Summers had not immediately committed after the Preakness, his subsequent performances — a second-place finish in the Haskell Stakes (G1) and another runner-up showing in the Travers Stakes (G1) — solidified the choice to aim high.

Breeders’ Cup Classic: Field of Eight Likely

With the post-position draw set for 5 p.m. ET, the current Classic lineup includes Forever Young, Sovereignty, Knightsbridge, Golden Tempo, Magnitude, Forged Steel, T O Password, and The Puma.

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