One of the mildly surprising developments in the older male turf division this season has been the evolution of Silver Knott into one of the country’s better long-distance performers. The Godolphin homebred will attempt to continue his current hot streak Sunday in the $250,000 Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga over 1 3/8 miles.
A Group 3 winner in England at two years old, Silver Knott went winless in his first six appearances in America at distances ranging from one mile to 1 1/4 miles. However, a step up in trip this season has resulted in back-to-back wins, by 1 1/2 lengths in the 12-furlong Elkhorn (G2) at Keeneland and a more dominating 4 1/2-length decision in the 1 3/8-mile Man o’ War (G2) at Aqueduct.
“Last time, we had some pace, so we got him covered up and he showed a good turn of foot to win,” jockey Flavien Prat said. “Ever since he’s been running in these long-distance races, he’s found a new dimension.”
Bettors who missed the boat in the Elkhorn (5-1) and Man o’ War (4-1) will be out of luck Sunday, as Silver Knott’s price is unlikely to be far off his 4-5 morning line.
Ohana Honor, second to Silver Knott in the Man o’ War, turned in a similarly good effort last time in the 1 3/16-mile Manhattan (G1) at Saratoga, finishing third behind the Godolphin duo of Measured Time and Nations Pride.
The field of seven also includes the speedy Strong Quality and Sugoi, the latter a wire-to-wire winner of the Louisville (G3) at Churchill Downs two back. Making his belated season debut is Soldier Rising, who finished second five times in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company on this circuit last season. His one flub of the year, in the Bowling Green, was the result of a rough trip.
On current form, though, it’s hard to see Silver Knott not wrapping a bow around this historic turf prize.
