Stayers' Watch: W.L. McKnight Handicap · 1.12.11
If it’s not one German-bred stayer featured on “Stayers’ Watch”, it’s another. On 26 November Musketier took the W. L. McKnight Handicap (gr. IIT) at Calder, after a perfect trip guided by jockey Luis Saez. The nine-year-old gray gelding saved ground behind early leaders Gondorf and Scottish Coast, then was able to slip through along the inside on the turn for home. He held off his late-charging stablemate Simmard, who had raced wide most of the way, to win by a half-length. For his part, 6-5 favorite Winchester was forced to the rear of the pack around the half-way mark and forced wide at the top of the stretch, but was still able to rally in the late going to finish third. Final time on Calder’s “firm” turf course: 2:28.25.
The McKnight was Musketier’s third long-distance victory of the year, after the Elkhorn Stakes in April and the Singspiel Stakes in June. He also finished second in the Pan American Stakes in March.
Champion Stayer Award standings — update:
- Sanagas — 18
- Musketier — 18
- Winchester — 14
- Bourbon Bay — 14
- Birdrun — 12
- Juniper Pass — 12
- St Nicholas Abbey — 10
- Ruler On Ice — 10
- Sarah Lynx — 10
- Cape Blanco — 10
- Wigmore Hall — 10
- Imponente Purse — 10
- Rahy’s Attorney — 10
- Falcon Rock — 10
- Simmard — 10
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