Saratoga Steeplechase – A.P. Smithwick Memorial Stakes (GII)
To help Steeplechase novices (like myself!), Dylan is back to share his thoughts on Thursday’s Steeplechase feature at Saratoga, the Grade II A. P. Smithwick Memorial Stakes.The 10 race program Thursday at Saratoga will start with a steeplechase stakes with a field of 8 (7 betting interests) going 2 & 1/16 over the hurdles for $75K.
The obvious choice is #5 SLIP AWAY (2-1). The 7 year old gelding has looked solid in his 2 starts this year with a win and 2nd. He will likely be the pace setter and has experience over this course, registering a 4th place finish in last year’s Smithwick.
#4 DYNANTONIA (6-1) two starts back battled with SLIP AWAY on the lead before ending up 3rd. He followed up that effort with a win on May 8th beating both #1A DIVINE FORTUNE and #3 PLANETS ALIGNED in the Marcellus Frost Hurdle S.
Jonathan Sheppard-trained #7 ARCADIUS (3-1) looks to be in a good spot for his closing kick. He won from off the pace in his first start of the year and came from far back to get 3rd last time out. If the leaders duel early on, he could be in perfect position to run them all down.
Finally, the coupled entry shouldn’t be overlooked, particularly the #1A DIVINE FORTUNE (5-1). He had an awful trip last time out at Colonial Downs, racing wide the entire way. A kinder trip might be all he needs to find the winners circle. So who’s going to win this year’s Smithwick? I’m going with the closer #7 ARCADIUS .
Good Luck!
04 August 2010, 9:29 am
Can’t go wrong with Sheppard over the fences. Nice job Dylan.
04 August 2010, 10:25 am
Thanks Geno, he really is a master. Last week he ran 1-3-4 and looks to have his horses in the perfect spot again this week.
05 August 2010, 6:43 am
Just as you can’t go wrong with Sheppard, you can’t go wrong with a DYNAFORMER; seems like those horses can do anything. I like DYNATONIA, and 6-1 seems like a fair price if it holds.
05 August 2010, 10:35 am
I agree Steve, there is a lot to like about DYNATONIA. Has a win and 3rd this year plus has faced a few in the field. Maybe an overlay without the Voss or Sheppard name.
05 August 2010, 11:05 am
DYNATONIA is scratched.
05 August 2010, 11:55 am
Drats!
05 August 2010, 1:03 pm
Not bad Dylan, a $60 trifecta w/ the 1, 7, & 5. Great call.
05 August 2010, 9:01 pm
Thanks Steve. Great race riding by Danielle Hodsdon and Sheppard saddles another winner.