Highestdistinction won his third successive race when powering clear up the final furlong to win the 2023 International Turf Cup by three lengths at Pimlico Racetrack
With a field of nine initially declared, there were a slew of late withdrawals which left only a small field of four to contend for this year’s prize.
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International Turf Cup
Grade 3, 1 mile, turf, open to horses aged three and over. Total prize pool: $200,000
- Highestdistinction +300
- King Vega +500
- Smokin’T +200
Winning time: 1:36.63
Highestdistinction backed up his performance in the 2023 Oceanport Stakes with a taking performance in this year’s International Turf Cup.
Content to sit at the back of the four-runner field, Highestdistinction’s jockey, Jairo Rendon was more than happy to let his mount lob along through the early stages of the race.
With the order of the field remaining largely unchanged, it was King Vega who led the field until the home turn.
Clearly travelling smoothly, Rendon positioned Highestdistinction to challenge around the far outside. With both Smokin’T and He’spuregold struggling to maintain the pace, it was clear that the outcome of the race would be decided between Highestdistinction and King Vega.
2023 International Turf Cup Race Video
@horseracingtote Highestdistinction wins the 2023 International Turf Cup Stakes #Horseracing #Horsesoftiktok #Horsetok #Sports #FYP
♬ original sound – horseracingtote – horseracingtote
With both runners refusing to give an inch, King Vega’s early race exploits had clearly caught up with him, and as he hit the furlong pole, he couldn’t match the relentless gallop of Highestdistinction.
Left out in the clear, Highestdistinction didn’t relent, and impressively sped to the line to win by three widening lengths.
2023 International Turf Cup Race Payouts
| Position | Horse | Win | Place |
| 1 | Highestdistinction | $7.80 | $3.60 |
| 2 | King Vega | $3.60 |
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