Silver Knott keeps it simple in G2 Dubai City Of Gold

Supremely consistent five-year-old Silver Knott secured a fourth G2 success as he made all to beat Passion And Glory in the Dubai City Of Gold Sponsored By Emirates Airline on Super Saturday, 1 March. 

Having his first start at Meydan, Silver Knott broke quickest of the seven runners and established a length advantage over Highway Robber, with Passion And Glory settling behind the duo in third. 

Silver Knott increased his lead leaving the back and the Charlie Appleby-trained runner never looked in danger as he powered further clear in the straight. 

Passion And Glory, representing Saeed bin Suroor, gave pursuit after going second turning in but could only get to within two lengths of Silver Knott at the line, with the winner adding to his three G2 victories in North America last year. 

Arabian Crown, making his first start for 10 months following injury, shaped with promise as he stayed on from the rear to take fourth, beaten five lengths in total. 

Charlie Appleby said: “It was another pleasing effort from Silver Knott, who is a very solid horse. We will have a think about the Dubai Sheema Classic and see how the field is stacking up, although it’s more likely that he will go back to the United States, where we will try and get that elusive G1 with him.

 “We were happy with Arabian Crown, who ran on nicely and will definitely come on for the run. We will look at something like the G2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket for him.” 

William Buick added: “Silver Knott spent most of last season in the US, where we learned that he is very effective from the front. He was very comfortable there and a very decisive winner. He is incredibly professional. He has run in some good races during his career and has always shown a good level of ability.” 

Saeed bin Suroor said: “I was very happy with the performance of Passion And Glory. He has run in the Dubai Gold Cup a few times, and we will consider that race again, but we will see how he comes out of this before deciding where to go.”