[citation needed] The Classic is run on dirt at one mile and one-quarter (approximately 2000 m).
[7] Essential Quality went off as the post-time favorite, in part because bettors expected a speed duel to develop between Medina Spirit and Knicks Go, who both favored a front-running style.
Moving around the final turn, Hot Rod Charlie mounted a drive and closed to within a length at the top of the stretch.
Knicks Go then responded by drawing away down the stretch to win by 2+3⁄4 lengths over Medina Spirit, with Essential Quality closing for third.
[2] Knicks Go became the sixth horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races, having won the Dirt Mile in 2020.