Silver Knott gets his gold in G2 Elkhorn Stakes

Silver Knott saw his consistency rewarded as he posted the biggest win of his career with an impressive display in the G2 Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, 20 April.

The son of Lope de Vega was beaten a nose in the 2022 G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and produced a string of strong performances in the United States last season, with placed efforts in Graded Stakes at Belmont Park, Colonial Downs, Santa Anita and Del Mar.

Stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time, Silver Knott was quickly into his stride from his wide draw and stalked Wentru in a length second.

Highland Chief, Missed The Cut and Dynadrive all closed on Wentru down the back, with Silver Knott also moving up to within half a length of the leader.Silver Knott took up the running three furlongs out and kicked into a clear advantage at the top of the straight.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old had three lengths in hand passing the furlong pole and saw out the trip well under Flavien Prat, crossing the line a length and a half in front of Missed The Cut. Stable-mate Bold Act closed strongly after failing to settle, finishing a neck behind Missed The Cut in third.

Charlie Appleby said: “Silver Knott is a decent horse, who was only just beaten in a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland, and he obviously enjoyed the step up to a mile and a half today. We will have a look at some of the big middle-distance races on the turf for both him and Bold Act, including the Man o’War, United Nations and Sword Dancer Stakes.”

Flavien Prat added: “Silver Knott was pretty forward going into the first turn, and it was just a matter of getting him to relax after. It worked out well. I was very pleased when we were going down the back when horses came alongside and made us go a little bit. It gave him a chance to get a nice breather and, one I called on him, he had a great turn of foot. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”