Gormley colt professional on debut in Belmont MdSpWt
June 26, 2021
High Oak becomes the 4th winner by Gormley, who now has winners at Keeneland, Churchill & Belmont | NYRA photo
High Oak closed stoutly in the final furlong to win his debut Saturday at Belmont Park in a 5 ½–furlong maiden special weight for 2-year-olds.
The bay colt is Gormley’s fourth winner from 10 starters, putting him on even terms with Gun Runner is second on the First-Crop sire list.
High Oak launched his bid from fourth at the top of the stretch, racing well off the rail to wear down a trio of pacesetters in deep stretch, winning by a neck in 1:06.34 on a fast main track.
The winner is trained by Bill Mott for LRE Racing LLC and JEH Racing Stable LLC. He was bred in Kentucky by Catherine Park and sold to his owners at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling sale. High Oak is out of Champagne Sue, whose siblings include Prioress S. (G2) winner Sapphire n’ Silk and Affirmed H. (G3) winner Golden Itiz.