Never before has a first time starter won a graded stakes at Del Mar, but Know More stole the show by doing so today. Know More (right), a 2 year old Lion Heart colt out of Seattle Qui, did everything right to win a thrilling edition of the G2 Best Pal Stakes in his very first career outing.  Two fillies from Pete Miller's barn, Heir Kitty and Miss Empire, rounded out the trifecta with favored Scherer Magic fifth. 

Owned by Paul Reddam and trained by Doug O'Neill, Know More has worked twice since arriving at Del Mar, most recently 6 furlongs out of the gate in 1:14.  His connections have been high on him for as long as I've been visiting the barn here.  I'll Have Another, their 2012 Derby winner, ran 2nd in last year's Best Pal and a week ago I heard a rumor that they'd said Know More will be the 2013 Derby winner. 

While it is a bit premature to say that from an outsider's perspective, Know More certainly is one to watch- he relaxed well, commenced his rally coming out of the turn for home, and blew past his rivals after having to adjust course mid-stretch.  He even galloped out with his ears pricked.  The race was one of the most exciting I've seen in person (perhaps in part because I already liked the horse), and the scene at the winner's circle was one of jubilation-hugging, screaming, and fist pumping all around.  The connections' excitement over their horse-not just the win- was obvious.  "No" more?  Actually, O'Neill and Reddam just might have another.