Saratoga Steeplechase – Thursday’s $30K Allowance Optional
Dylan J. is back with his preview of Thursday’s steeplechase race at Saratoga:Saratoga will kick off the Thursday card with a steeplechase contest comprised of 9 runners going 2 & 1/16 miles over the hurdles.
Let’s start with #7 RIDDLE (4-1). He’s had a successful return to the races this year after a lengthy layoff. He won his first start back and in the Ferguson Memorial (G III) was caught out wide, finishing 5th. The 4th place finisher in that race, Divine Fortune came back next start to win the Grade II A. P. Smithwick Memorial Stakes last week at Saratoga.
Jonathan Sheppard, who has won both steeplechase races this meet, has #8 PARKER’S PROJECT (8-1). This four year old is consistent; in 5 starts this year he’s been off the board only once and has top steeplechase rider Danielle Hodsdon aboard.
#1 ALL TOGETHER (4-1) has gotten better each start, improving from a well beaten 6th to finding the winners circle at Penn National last time out over PARKER’S PROJECT and GRANTOR.
Interesting play in the race is #3 GRANTOR (12-1). After being pulled up in his first start this year, he came with a huge late run to finish second at 60-1 and then followed that performance with a win. He might be the lookout long shot.
Good Luck!
12 August 2010, 10:46 pm
Dylan,
Jonathan Sheppard is unstoppable!
BTW, another fine job handicapping this one. RIDDLE, PARKER’S PROJECT, and GRANTOR (at 10-1) were all right there.
13 August 2010, 11:28 am
Thanks Steve, he really is, swept the exacta the last two weeks and has won all three races this meet. His horses are peaking at the right time.