10/18: Far Hills Steeplechase

[Flatterer]

The premier fall steeplechase meet takes place at Moorland Farms in Far Hills, NJ with post time for the 1st of 6 races at 12:50 PM EST. 5 hurdle races and 1 flat race feature the best American runners with a strong contingent of foreign runners. Online wagering is listed under Far Hills or Monmouth at Far Hills. The Cross Country Pick 5 features Far Hills race 4 as Leg A and Far Hills race 5 as Leg C.

The foreign runners are not as strong this year and almost all are getting lasix for the first time. This adds a wrinkle to handicapping these runners since some may have an adverse reaction to the medication. Race 6, the flat race does not permit lasix. Generally, foreign runners have a difficult time in their US debuts since the early pace is extremely fast compared to what they are used to.

Race 1 is the $75K Harry E Harris stakes restricted to 4YO. #8 St James The Great is the highest rated domestic runner (123) and #3 Naturally Nimble is the highest rated foreign runner (133). #1 Iconic Walk has been training lights out for trainer Leslie Young and will have a strong debut performance. #7 Chortal WON ($6.60) can run underneath in exotics.

A) 8-3 (2nd)
B) 1 (4th)


Race 2 is a $70K sweepstakes maiden. #5 Grey Pharoh ran well at Nashville and is the one to beat. #7 McLovin has been pointing to this race for Kate and Bernie Dalton all year and will run well since he won the bumper at Far Hills in 2023. #3 We’re Back Again for trainer Gordon Elliot and rider Jack Kennedy was bet heavily in Ireland in last and is one of the strongest foreign runners on the card.

A) 5 (2nd) -7
B) 3 WON ($8.20)

Race 3 is the $100K Peapack handicap restricted to fillies and mares and only has 5 runners. There is a big gap in weights from 160 to 144 that will make this interesting. #3 Timetoshine was brilliant winning in her US debut at Colonial and has the highest US rating (129) and already beat the other US runners. Generally, 1 pound is 1 length for hurdle runners going more than 2 miles so #3 Timetoshare should handle the weight difference. #5 Emily Love is also rated 129 in Ireland and will be the biggest threat to #3 Timetoshare.

A) 3
B) 5 WON ($3.40)

Race4, leg A of the XCP5, the $150K Foxbrook Novice Stakes features future stars of hurdle racing. #2 Cyber Ninja is unbeaten over jumps and has the best flat track speed, a rare combination for the NSA’s leading owner, trainer and rider. #1 For The Parish has also run well over jumps with an impressive win at Nashville. #6 China Beach for Kate and Bernie Dalton is ready for a solid effort after respectable runs at Saratoga and Nashville. #9 Coutach WON ($5.40) can run underneath in exotics.

A) 2 (2nd) -1
B) 6

Race 5. leg C of the XCP5, is the feature jump race of the day, the $250K Grand National. #2 Snap Decision is the horse to beat but the uneven slightly yielding ground may be his undoing. #1 Swore was impressive in the Lonesome Glory at Aqueduct but must run at level weights today. #3 Vae Patron has been training very well and was close to #2 Snap Decision at level weights in Nashville. #5 Ballysax Hank is a major threat after 2 wins in Great Britain and Ireland. #7 Zanahiyr is also a threat after 2 wins in Ireland.

A) 3-1
B) 7 WON ($6.60) - 5 (2nd)

Race 6 the 2 mile John Forbes $150K flat race closes the card features stakes placed flat runners but no graded stakes winners. #8 Fleetfoot, the only foreign runner, will handle the distance and will pick up a check. #4 Hardspun Reason, an unusual entry for trainer Motion, brings flat rider Kevin Gomez with an early pace and late kick to win. #3 Rotterdam gives trainer Ricky Hendriks his best chance on the card after a strong flat prep at Foxfield.

A) 8 WON ($5.80) -4
B) 3

Good luck at the races!