Most Americans love Thanksgiving for roasted turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
But to me, as a child growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Thanksgiving Day meant going to Aqueduct (the “Big A”) with my dad Joe for the Fall Highweight Handicap.
The inaugural Fall Highweight Handicap took place in 1914 at Belmont Race Track, where a filly named Comely became the only two-year-old to win the race.
The Highweight is unique in that 140 lbs. is assigned to the most worthy equine nominated to the race. Hence, most of the horses that run are typically carrying more weight than they are accustomed to. This year, Mind Your Biscuits was the presumed top weight at 140 pounds, but his connections did not enter him for the Turkey Day festivities. Instead, the David Jacobsen-trained Stallwalkin’ Dude is the high weight at 134 lbs. and the likely favorite.
Also to be heavily supported will be The Great War, Weekend Hideaway and Ready For Rye.
Here is the field:
1. Weekend Hideaway (130)
2. Heaven’s Runway (123)
3. Ready For Rye (130)
4. Spartiatis (122)
5. The Great War (127)
6. Angry Moon (128)
7. All Stars Red (126)
8. Green Grotto (126)
9. Stallwalkin’ Dude (134)
Handicapping this six-furlong, $200,000 feature is difficult, as American racehorses almost never carry such high imposts.
I see the New Jersey-bred speedster Green Grotto going straight to the lead and going rather quickly, like :22, :44 and around :58 for five furlongs.
In the last eighth of a mile, Irad Ortiz and Stallwalkin’ Dude will be flying on the far outside to get the victory.
Have a great Thanksgiving y’all.
