Brought to you by Tropical Racing
Highland Falls (Coady Media/Churchill Downs)
Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Godolphin’s improving 4-year-old colt Highland Falls will attempt to garner his first stakes victory as the 5-2 morning line choice in Saturday’s $275,000 Blame (Grade III), the local prep for the $1 million Stephen Foster (GI) at Churchill Downs on June 29.
Highland Falls, the recent runner-up to Skippylongstocking in the Oaklawn Handicap (GII), began his career on closing day of the 2023 Ellis Park season with a 9-1 debut victory in a maiden special weight contest. Since then, the son of Curlin won allowance contests at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds before he tested stakes company for the first time in the Santa Anita Handicap (GI), finishing fourth to Newgate.
“We think very highly of this colt and hope he can establish himself as one of the top older horses in the country,” trainer Brad Cox said. “I thought he ran well in the Santa Anita Handicap where the pace didn’t really shape up all that fast. I thought in the Oaklawn Handicap he ran a credible race and improved out of the Santa Anita Handicap. We’re looking forward to Saturday’s race and hoping it kickstarts a big campaign for him.”
Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Blame Stakes will go as Race 10 of 11 with a post time of 5:27 p.m. (all times Eastern). First post is 12:45 p.m. Along with the Blame, the stellar afternoon of racing also will feature the $275,000 Arlington (GIII), $275,000 Regret (GIII), $275,000 Shawnee (GIII), $275,000 Aristides (Listed) and $275,000 Audubon (Listed).
The field for the Blame Stakes
Fans can watch and wager on all the action from Churchill Downs on www.twinspires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby.
