Trainer John Quinn is “happy” with three-time Group 1 winner Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) ahead of a start in the 5 1/2-furlong $1-million GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on Nov. 5. The 5-year-old drew stall six in the field of 16, two to the inside of crack American sprinter Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). She also carries three pounds less than the colt, and Quinn is relishing a clash with the Wesley Ward trainee. Ward also has multiple Group 1 winner Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) (stall four) and Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof The Nile) (stall seven) signed on for the Keeneland contest.
“She's in good form as you can see,” said Quinn. “She's well in herself, she's ready and hopefully we'll get her there. She's been ticking over well; her work has been pleasing and she still looks well so I'm happy with her.
“Golden Pal is the best sprinter they've had in America for a long time. I watched him win in Keeneland in the Breeders Cup trial two weeks ago. He made all the running; he came out like a bullet. I thought his stall wasn't closed he came out so quick. He was well in control and broke the track record. I thought he was good but so is she.”
Quinn noted that the Breeders' Cup was always on his radar for the winner of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, G1 Nunthorpe S. and G1 Flying Five S.
“The Breeders' Cup is something we've been thinking about all year,” he added. “I said to my son, Sean, in the spring, if this filly improves seven to 10 pounds, I'd love to see her around Keeneland over 5 ½-furlongs round a bend. She's won round a bend at both Chelmsford and Haydock, she's good going left-handed. The bonus is wonderful but the fact she is good enough and we're happy with her is the clincher really.
“They've had a very dry time at Keeneland. She's got very good form on fast ground, but you just wouldn't like it to be rock hard. I believe there is some rain forecast. She has won on all grounds, but I just hope they get some rain and its decent ground.”
As long as the Trainers House Enterprises, Ltd. colourbearer exits her Breeders' Cup start in good order, there is every chance she would return as a 6-year-old.
“If she's fit, well and has got the appetite for it, he'll [owner John Fairley] race her next year,” Quinn said. “It's fantastic that he's thinking of keeping her for next year.”
Like royalty. 👑
Highfield Princess was on the @keenelandracing training track this morning! #BC22 pic.twitter.com/9HzPZchSra
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 1, 2022
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