Long On Value gives Cox repeat win in Highlander Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The favored Long On Value caught Lady Alexandra in the final strides to take Saturday’s Grade 1, $251,000 Highlander Stakes at Woodbine, giving trainer Brad Cox his second straight win in the six-furlong turf sprint.

Long On Value raced in sixth through the turn under Florent Geroux, as longshots Corinthia Knight and Axtell dueled through quick fractions.

Lady Alexandra opened up a clear lead in the stretch, as Long On Value sought room between rivals towards the outside. After finding a clear path, Long On Value kicked in strongly in the final furlong to prevail by a neck in 1:07.13.

Holding Gold rallied from a trailing ninth for third, and Abbaa checked in fourth. Belvoir Bay, Imprimis, Axtell, Ikerrin Road, and Corinthia Knight completed the order of finish.

“It was a great trip,” said Geroux. “I was able to save ground on the turn, and when he was ready to make his run, I just tipped him out and he was able to run the filly down. Six furlongs is right up his alley. I think he ran great. A turf course like Woodbine has a very long stretch. I think it suits him even better.”

Long On Value ($6.70), a 7-year-old by Value Plus, earned $150,000 for owners Madaket Stables, Ten Strike Racing, and Steve Laymon.

The Highlander is a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In event for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, but Long On Value is not BC eligible and would have to be supplemented.

Cox won last year’s Highlander with Green Mask, who started only one more time before being retired due to injury.