Godolphin homebred Highland Falls has joined the Prime 10 within the Nationwide Thoroughbred Racing Affiliation’s Prime Thoroughbred ballot, rating sixth following his four-length win within the $1 million Jockey Membership Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Sept. 1.
Educated by Brad Cox and ridden to victory Saturday by Flavien Prat, the 4-year-old Curlin colt holds a file of 3-2-0 from six begins this season for earnings of $1,065,800. Along with the Gold Cup, Highland Falls gained the June 1 Blame Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs and was runner-up in each the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) and Monmouth Cup (G3).
Glassman Racing’s Whitney (G1) winner Arthur’s Experience , who light to fifth within the Gold Cup after dueling with Highland Falls by the early phases, remained on the leaderboard whereas dropping from fourth to ninth.
The highest of the ballot is a replay of the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1), with Fierceness main Thorpedo Anna by a head (1 level).
The presence of Fierceness on the prime of the NTRA’s week 32 ballot is recipricated within the newest Breeders’ Cup Basic (G1) rankings launched Sept. 3.
Three-year-olds dominate the Basic rankings. Epsom Derby (G1) winner Metropolis of Troy ranks second with Eternally Younger , Sierra Leone , and Dornoch rounding out the highest 5. Highland Falls and Arthur’s Experience lead the older horses, rating sixth and seventh, respectively.
