Saratoga Steeplechase – Last Race of the Meet ($30K AOC)
Dylan J. returns with his preview of Saratoga’s last steeplechase race of the season. Thanks to Dylan it’s been a lot of fun following this year’s action over the jumps.The final Thursday of the Saratoga meet will start with a steeplechase race in which 10 horses will travel 2 & 3/8th miles over the hurdles.
This year’s meet has been dominated by trainer Jonathan Sheppard and he will look for a sweep of all this year’s hurdle races with #4 LEAD US NOT (5/2). This horse has done little wrong in 2010, in three starts he has two seconds and won here at Saratoga three weeks ago. Given the connections (Sheppard / Crowley) he’s going to be hard to beat.
#8 RIDDLE (5-1) has had a nice return to the races after a lengthy layoff. He won his first start back and ran a good race on August 12th, setting the pace before weakening in the final furlong. Danielle Hodsdon also jumps back on; she was aboard for his win three starts back.
The coupled entry that is #1 ALL TOGETHER and #1A STRAIGHT TO IT (6-1) shouldn’t be overlooked. ALL TOGETHER won two races back but was a beaten favorite last time and did not finish the race. Entry mate, STRAIGHT TO IT has been very consistent with a second and two thirds from three starts this year.
One to play underneath would be #5 MOON DOLLY (7/2), the only mare in this field had a streak of fourth place finishes snapped when she finished fifth on July 29th.
Good Luck!
01 September 2010, 2:19 pm
Some inside info: a friend of mine was having beers with a steeplechase jock Sunday night and he told him Dr Bloomer (4-1) has a great shot Thursday. Hmmm . . .
02 September 2010, 10:36 am
Thanks Steve. He is certainly in an easier spot here than he was in the Smithwick a couple weeks back. Should get a good price too.
02 September 2010, 1:48 pm
Thanks for the tip.
I could use the money for a new camera outfit. LOL