Three Technique scores one for the locals in Knicks Go Stakes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The inaugural running of the Knicks Go sported the lowest purse of all the stakes held Saturday on the blockbuster Kentucky Derby card at Churchill Downs, but the exuberance from the winning connections would be nearly impossible to match.

Three Technique, dismissed at 36-1 in a field of 11 older horses, rallied to win the $159,800 Knicks Go, kicking off a celebration that included a couple of local horsemen in owner David Miller and trainer Jason Cook.

Three Technique, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, edged away in the final furlong of the one-turn-mile and finished a length before Injunction, who edged South Bend by a nose for second.

“This is unbelievable,” said Miller, a dedicated horseplayer who claimed the 5-year-old horse here last November for $40,000.

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Cook said this was by far his most special victory in more than 30 years of training. His 12-year-old daughter, Peyton, who lost her mother at a young age, was part of a joyous winner’s circle photo that included more than 50 people. “This is her first Derby,” he said while trying to hold back tears.

Three Techniques, then trained by Jeremiah Englehart, was second in the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park in January 2020, becoming a fringe candidate for the Kentucky Derby later that year. The son of Mr. Speaker eventually had his form tail off, with Miller taking a chance by haltering him.

Three Technique returned $75.60 after finishing in 1:35.48 over a fast track.

“I’m happy for the owner and trainer,” said Bejarano.

The $2 exacta (3-8) paid $976.60, the $1 trifecta (3-8-7) returned $3,147, and the $1-minimum superfecta (3-8-7-11) was worth $10,449.

The Knicks Go was the first leg in a new 50-cent all-dirt-stakes pick five (15 percent takeout) that also included the Pat Day Mile, the Derby City Distaff, the Churchill Downs, and the Derby.