DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Knightsbridge withstood a fierce battle on the lead in the early going before pulling away to win the $1 million Pacific Classic by 6 1/4 lengths at Del Mar on Saturday.

Ridden by Junior Alvarado, Knightsbridge ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.79. The 5-year-old horse had shipped to the seaside track north of San Diego from the East Coast after a win in the Monmouth Cup five weeks ago in New Jersey.

“He was kind of skipping over the ground,” Alvarado said. “I had my hopes that when I asked him he would give me his best right when we turned for home. It was all heart there. He’s a horse that has a lot of talent.”

Knightsbridge was challenged over the opening mile by the speedy Full Serrano before shaking him off at the head of the stretch. The winner paid $4.20 as the wagering favorite.

Original Sin finished second. Full Serrano was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third in the West Coast’s richest race.

The victory, worth $600,000, increased Knightsbridge’s career earnings to $1,523,155, with eight wins in 12 starts. He earned a berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in October.

It was Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s second Pacific Classic win, having taken the 2008 edition with Go Between.

Knightsbridge is owned and bred by Godolphin, founded by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoun.

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