Horse Racing Odds: Highland Falls Ascension

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Highland Falls Triumphs in Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga

In the world of horse racing, few moments are as exciting as witnessing an underdog rise to claim victory. Such was the case at Saratoga Race Course, where Highland Falls, a four-year-old Godolphin homebred, secured a remarkable win in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1). 

As a result, horse racing fans who followed the offtrack betting scene were treated to a spectacular race that surprised many.

The journey to this point was challenging for Highland Falls. Early in his career, hopes were high that he might contend in the Kentucky Derby. However, a slow start in his development meant that those plans had to be adjusted. According to Michael Banahan, Godolphin’s director of bloodstock, 

Highland Falls needed time to mature, and the team patiently allowed him to learn on the job. That patience was rewarded in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

This victory also carried significant meaning for the Godolphin team, as they had narrowly missed winning the race last year when their horse, Proxy, finished second by just a nose. 

Highland Falls’ impressive performance secured the prestigious Grade 1 title and a guaranteed spot in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on November 2. The Saratoga betting community anticipates that event, where Highland Falls will be seen as a strong contender.

A Carefully Planned Victory

Banahan mentioned that their plans took shape after Highland Falls secured a second-place finish in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in April. From that point, the team set their sights on the Jockey Club Gold Cup. After a preparatory victory in the Blame Stakes (G3) and a second-place finish in the Monmouth Cup (G3), where he was narrowly beaten by Tapit Trice, Highland Falls was primed for Saratoga’s biggest race.

Bred from Curlin and Awesome Again mare Round Pond, Highland Falls has grown tremendously over his career. Since his debut in August last year, he has earned five wins in nine starts, amassing over $1.19 million in earnings.

Trainer Brad Cox expressed pride in Highland Falls’ performance, emphasizing that they always believed he was suited for the challenging 1 1/4-mile distance.

Arthur’s Ride, the 4-5 favorite, took an early lead from the outside post as the Jockey Club Gold Cup began. Highland Falls kept pace with jockey Flavien Prat aboard, battling head-to-head down the backstretch.

Highland Falls pulled ahead in the final stretch, leaving Arthur’s Ride behind and securing victory. This win also marked Prat’s 17th stakes victory of the meet, a record achievement.

Looking Ahead to the Breeders’ Cup

The race’s final time was 2:03.25, a testament to Highland Falls’ endurance and preparation. Banahan expressed confidence about Highland Falls’ upcoming appearance in the Breeders’ Cup, stating that while the competition at Del Mar might differ, the team was ready to take their chances in the wide-open field. 

Highland Falls will likely be a strong player in offtrack betting markets, with the horse racing odds already shifting in anticipation of the Breeders’ Cup.

Other Notables

Highland Falls wasn’t the only standout in the race. Blue Heaven Farm’s Pyrenees, a four-year-old Into Mischief colt, closed in from fifth place to take second, while Disarm, trained by Steve Asmussen, secured third after a close finish. Tapit Trice, the second favorite, was narrowly edged out and finished in fourth place.

Arthur’s Ride, after leading much of the race, faded to fifth, and last year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, Bright Future, finished a distant sixth.

Trainer Bill Mott, who oversaw Arthur’s Ride, acknowledged that a stronger horse had bested them on the day. Despite Arthur’s prior victories, including a front-running win in the Whitney Stakes (G1), he couldn’t withstand Highland Falls’ challenge. Mott expressed hope that Arthur’s Ride would recover in time for the Breeders’ Cup, where he has also earned a spot.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup crowned a new champion in Highland Falls and reshaped the conversation around this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. With victories in major races on both coasts—Highland Falls at Saratoga and Mixto in the Pacific Classic Stakes—there’s no clear front-runner heading into the event.