Saratoga Steeplechase – G1 New York Turf Writers Cup
Dylan is back with a preview of Thursday’s Steeplechase action at Saratoga.Saratoga will start Thursday’s program with the Grade I New York Turf Writers Cup Steeplechase Handicap featuring a field of nine going 2 & 3/8ths miles over the hurdles for $100K. With the exception of #3 SEER and #4 SWAGGER STICK, all the other entrants have started at Saratoga during the meet.
#5 SLIP AWAY (5/2) and long shot #6 BIRTHDAY BEAU (30-1) should be on the lead early and may square off into a speed duel early on in this marathon race. With an abundance of speed, and given that he has won every steeplechase race this meet, trainer Jonathan Sheppard appears to be in a great spot with the coupled entry of #1 SERMAN OF LOVE and #1A DIVINE FORTUNE (2-1) who have both won previously during this Saratoga Meet.
Sheppard also has #7 ARCADIUS (4-1) who ran second to #1A DIVINE FORTUNE in the Smithwick (G II) beaten only ¾ of a length. This is the race he has been pointed toward all along and has the late kick to win from off the pace.
#8 VIRGINIA MINSTREL (6-1) might be the one that could upset Sheppard’s entries. He was nailed just at the line in the Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes by #1 SERMAN OF LOVE and has won three out of four starts this year. Who’s going to win? I picked him last time and I’m going to stick with him, #7 ARCADIUS.
Good Luck!
26 August 2010, 9:56 pm
Dylan, another great job handicapping the jumps. Once again Sheppard gets the exacta. Of course, the Saratoga bettors weren’t caught by surprise this time.
27 August 2010, 12:14 pm
Thanks Steve, Sheppard is firing on all cylinders this meet. What a race it was, Arcadius came charging hard late but couldn’t get there in time.