8/12: Saratoga Steeplechase Race 1 - NW2L
 

Steeplechase returns after getting washed out last week courtesy of Isiasis.

Non-winners of 2 lifetime over jumps will navigate 8 fences around 4 turns.

Interesting group of runners that includes Sheppard’s filly #3 Zoom Zoom Zoe with a 140 pound weight assignment, getting 6-12 pounds from the field. According to racing Secretary Bill Gallo, Trainer Ricky Hendriks will only run 1 part of his entry; most likely #1 Markhan will run.

Every runner wants to be on or near the lead ensuring a strong early pace, except for #3 Zoom Zoom Zoe and #7 Fearsome. It appears the race sets up for a presser or closer.

All the runners have a 116-117 rating on the NSA handicap scale except for #7 Fearsome-127 and #3 Zoom Zoom Zoe-107. #7 Fearsome’s rating is a holdover from his British Hurdle handicap rating in 2018, when he won a Novice Hurdle by 16 lengths.

Trainer Jack Fisher is 3 for 3 at Saratoga and sends out #6 Prayer Hope and #5 Brianbakescookies. First call rider for Fisher, Mike Mitchell, selects #6 Prayer Hope. I loved #6 Prayer Hope in his maiden win at Radnor 2019 because as a 4YO, he was getting 8 pounds from his rivals. The weight break proved to be the difference when he passed 5 runners over the last 2 uphill jumps to win. No weight break today but if he can press and lay off the strong early pace, he is the best of the speed. #5 Brianbakescookies will fade after the last jump.

The question remains if the real #1 Markhan that beat Snap Decision last year will show up. I don’t have any updates from Ricky Hendriks about #1 Markhan. However, Hendriks is good at getting a big run off a layoff. #1 Markhan was not the same while getting a deep cut after clipping heals early in the Saratoga race last summer so Hendriks put him on the shelf after Far Hills. I don’t expect him to hit the board.

#3 Zoom Zoom Zoe gets light weight, will be closing like a freight train and Sheppard would not enter unless he can win.

#7 Fearsome finally gets a chance to jump in the US for owner Irv Naylor, has above average flat track speed, likes to win, and will benefit from the strong early pace.

#4 Anticipating will fade after setting a strong early pace.

#1 Court Ruler has 2 good jump races but did not beat much in his last race at Great Meadow and will be part of the pace meltdown.

Selections:

A) 6 (4th) -3 (3rd)

B) 7

Good Luck at the races!