Highalator Unveils Potential at Big M

While the afternoon belonged to thoroughbred three-year-olds in a trio of Kentucky Derby preps, the early portion of the Saturday night card at The Meadowlands was highlighted by a talented sophomore with a bright future.

In the second race on the card, Highalator (Victor Kirby) lived up to his role as the 4-5 favorite in a non-winners of two races or $20,000 lifetime class when he gained command soon after the start and led the field through modest early fractions of 29, 58 and 1:26.2 and then sprinted clear in the lane to a four-length score in 1:52.4 courtesy of a 26.2 kicker.

A sophomore son of Somebeachsomewhere trained by Jenny Bier for owner-breeders Daryl Bier and Charles Dombeck, Highalator notched his second straight score and now owns three wins from five career tries. Highalator had won his previous start at Dover Downs in 1:52.2 in first over fashion after a sharp second place effort in his seasonal debut. Highalator had actually won his career debut last summer at Pocono Downs in 1:53.3 then was fourth in his next outing.

Highalator returned from a lengthy layoff and a pair of qualifiers and then was a very good second at Dover before wining his second start of the season. Highalator now sports consecutive victories and he looks poised to climb through his lifetime conditions this winter and spring before perhaps getting his first genuine taste of stakes competition this summer.