High Diplomacy to capture Thursday’s ninth
Published:Tuesday | December 21, 2021 | 12:10 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
HIGH DIPLOMACY ought to make amends for his near miss behind HELICOPTER at eight and a half furlongs a month ago, reunited with no-nonsense Robert Halledeen, who was aboard for the bay colt’s October 2 victory over KHOLBEAR and SWEET N SMART at seven furlongs.
A clear second-best behind HELICOPTER, HIGH DIPLOMACY faces a similar cast, minus the winner, for Thursday’s closing event at seven and a half, renewing rivalry with Jason DaCosta’s ADORE BRILLIANCE, and Gary Subratie’s trio of SWEET N SMART, PHAROAH IT IS and SENCITY.
The American Dance-Code Star colt awoke from his slumber October 2 to chase down KHOLBEAR, winning in 1:26.4 on a fast track. He went back under the radar in back-to-back sprints, though exposing his fitness to finish five and a half lengths, behind 1:06.3, in a truly run five-and-a-half furlong race won by STEVIE THE GREAT, who just lasted from HELICOPTER.
Stretched out at eight and a half furlongs on November 27, HIGH DIPLOMACY ran smack into super-fit HELICOPTER but had Subratie’s trio and ADORE BRILLIANCE behind, going second past DaCosta’s runner midway the stretch run.
SWEET N SMART, ADORE BRILLIANCE and SENCITY were ahead of HIGH DIPLOMACY when they returned at five furlongs straight two Saturdays ago. However, they were all better drawn in a big field, breaking from stalls 13, 10 and 11, respectively, whereas HIGH DIPLOMACY was bogged down behind speedy runners at post-position four, having to be taken to the heavy inner rail by his rider inside the last furlong and a half.
Despite his terrible draw, HIGH DIPLOMACY finished heads-on with SENCITY, though she was blocked somewhat late in the race, making her his main threat at a distance she will enjoy as well. ADORE BRILLIANCE was a half-length ahead of HIGH DIPLOMACY whereas SWEET N SMART, who had a plumb stands’ side draw, was only two and a half ahead.
Halledeen has been enjoying himself of late aboard closers, a real powerhouse in the saddle with victories such as ONEOFAKIND’s stirring win over BILLY WHIZZ last Saturday and Sunday’s late double, rallying with OUR ANGEL before nabbing BATON ROUGE with T BRADY.