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Silver Knott Notches First U.S. Win In Elkhorn

Originally posted on Paulick Report
By Edited Press Release | Last updated 4/20/24

Godolphin’s Silver Knott (GB), prominent throughout, hit the front midway on the final turn en route to a 1½-length victory in the 39th running of the $313,750 VisitLEX Elkhorn (G2) Saturday afternoon at Keeneland.

Silver Knott raced just off the flank of longshot Wentru through fractions of :24.04, :49.82, 1:16.36, and 1:40.22. Going into the final turn, Silver Knott went after Wentru and quickly established a daylight advantage that he carried into the stretch where he never was threatened.

Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Flavien Prat, Silver Knott completed the1 1/2 miles on a firm turf course in 2:27.37.

A 4-year-old son of Lope de Vega out of the Nathaniel mare God Given, Silver Knott was returning to Keeneland for the first time in seven starts since he finished second, beaten a nose, in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). The Elkhorn marked his first domestic victory after beginning his racing career in Great Britain, where he won a pair of Group 3 races. He had placed in five U.S. graded stakes, including his third in the Hollywood Derby (G1) in his start start prior to the Elkhorn.

Making his first start of 2024 Saturday, Silver Knott improved his record to 13-4-2-4 and increased his earnings to $653,276 with the Elkhorn's winner's share of $176,700.

Silver Knott, bred by St Albans Bloodstock LLP, rewarded his backers with $13.52 for the win. Missed the Cut, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., finished a neck in front of favored Bold Act (IRE) under Frankie Dettori.

It was another 4½ lengths back to King Curlin, who was followed in order by Highland Chief (IRE), Lucky Curlin, Wentru, Dynadrive and The Grey Wizard (IRE).

Recently named University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Mark Pope joined VisitLex officials in presenting the trophy to the winning connections of the Elkhorn. Click here for video of Coach Pope at Keeneland.

ELKHORN QUOTES

Flavien Prat (winning rider of Silver Knott [GB])

“He was pretty forward going into the first turn, and after that it was just a matter of getting him to relax. He was traveling actually a bit strong. But it worked out well. I was very pleased when we were going down the backside, and then horses came alongside of us so that made us go a little bit. But it gave him a chance to actually get a nice breather, and once I called on him, as you could tell he had a great turn of foot. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. (rider of runner-up Missed the Cut)

“Good (trip). Pace went a little slow for us. For this style of horse, I would have preferred to go a little faster, but it didn’t work out that way. I tried to break and sit right behind the speed. It didn’t work out; those horses broke good inside and they took that spot and I had to sit behind those two horses in front of me. I thought for a second that I would (get in front). When we turned for home, I was right behind the winner. I had a good chance if the winner was coming back a bit. (Missed the Cut) gave me a good run in the lane. My horse was running too but just couldn’t get there in time.”

Frankie Dettori (rider of third-place finisher Bold Act [IRE])

“I was slowly away in the pocket all the way. No way to get out at any stage. We walked, we sprinted. Flavien (Prat) nicked it from the front.”

This article first appeared on Paulick Report and was syndicated with permission.

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