Highland Sky Takes John's Call With Ease
Despite a sloppy track Highland Sky proved his metel by showcasing early speed with a lot of stamina for the final stretch. He claimed his first win in almost 14 months and first stakes win in three years adding to his victory in April 2016 in the Woodhaven Stakes.
Almost immediately upon entering the final stretch from the outside he took the lead and cruised to an 8 1/4-length win in the 1 1/4-mile, US$93,000 Gr.1 John's Call Stakes.
Out of the turn, Franco tipped Highland Sky wide, where he overtook Turco Bravo and Red Knight at the top of the stretch and continued home under a drive, hitting the wire in 2:04.32.
The 6YO Sky Mesa gelding is owned by Joyce Young, Gerald McManis, and Jerrie Stewart McManis.
Red Knight who is trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, finished 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Turco Bravo for second under meet-leading rider Jose Ortiz.
Redicean completed the order of finish. Pillar Mountain, Nakamura, and Proquestor were scratched.