Arabian Knight cuts back to one turn for Pat O'Brien

DEL MAR, Calif. – Arabian Knight, last year’s winner of the Grade 1 Pacific Classic and fourth in his recent comeback in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap, will cut back to one turn for the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar.

The addition of Arabian Knight makes the seven-furlong Pat O’Brien arguably the race of the meet.

The Chosen Vron, winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes last out, is expected to start favored in the Pat O’Brien while seeking his seventh consecutive stakes. Senor Buscador will make his first start since an early-season Middle East campaign that included a win in the Grade 1, $20 million Saudi Cup followed by a third-place finish March 30 in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup.

Others pointing to the Pat O’Brien are stakes winner Big City Lights, Happy Jack and Raging Torrent.

:: DRF's Del Mar Handicapping Packages: Get everything you need to play the races with confidence.

Trainer Bob Baffert believes Arabian Knight has improved since his fourth-place comeback as the 2-5 favorite in the San Diego. It was his first start since finishing fourth last fall in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita.

“It was tough getting him ready off a layoff,” Baffert said. “I think he really needed it. I think seven-eighths will be good for him.”

Arabian Knight has won three races and $1,562,275 from six starts. His only one-turn race was a seven-length debut victory in 2022 at Keeneland. Baffert intends to stretch Arabian Knight back out following the Pat O’Brien.

“If he runs well, we can go to the California Crown,” Baffert said, referring to the Grade 1, $1 million California Crown on Sept. 28 at Santa Anita.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.