Sar Steeplechase 7/25/18 - Kiser Novice Stakes

[Flatterer]

Steeplechase racing returns to Saratoga Wednesday July 25th for a 6 race stand. Races are scheduled as the 1st race for the following Wednesdays and Thursdays 7/26, 8/1, 8/22, 8/23, 8/29.

It is a miracle that NYRA allowed steeplechase racing’s return for 2018. According to New York’s data base of Equine Death and Breakdowns for Saratoga in 2017, steeplechase runners accounted for 20% of the total number of on track deaths and breakdowns. There were only 9 steeplechase races last year, just 2% of all races run at Saratoga.

Thank you NYRA for hosting the steeplechase races again this year.

There are only 7 runners in the Johnathan Kiser Novice Stakes with 5 possible winners. Throw in a yielding turf and this race is very difficult.

The top contenders are #6 Mutasaawy and #5 Lord Justice. Mutasaawy is the only runner that consistently wins races (9 wins in 43 races), had a nice flat run at Suffolk , beat #1 No Wunder and #2 Officer Sydney the last time they met at Fair Hill, and has a win at Saratoga last year. #5 Lord Justice had an impressive win at Nashville in May.

#4 New Member, #1 No Wunder and #2 Officer Sydney have a chance to win, but seem more comfortable to run 2nd and 3rd. However, #2 Officer Sydney is lone speed and will open up by 10 -15 lengths early and play catch me if you can and may steal the race.

Selections

A) 6 – 5
B) 2
C) 4 - 1

Good Luck!!

Here are links for steeplechase standings and ratings for reference for the rest of the meet.

https://www.nationalsteeplechase.com...tStandings.pdf

https://www.nationalsteeplechase.com...gs-6-29-18.pdf