8/2: Saratoga Race 1 Johnathan Kiser Novice Steeplechase Stakes

[Flatterer]

Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes goes around 4 turns over 8 fences with a 5 furlong flat run after the last fence and features the future stars of American Steeplechase.

There will be a quick early pace set by #1 Awakened, #2 Merry Maker, #3 Carmelised, with #4 Realist drafting off the front pack so the race sets up for a closer.

#5 Barbadios has been at Saratoga since June training very well. Although only a maiden winner, he has hit the board in all 4 jump starts and has the turn of foot to close the gap for the last 5 furlong flat run. His 82 Belmont Gold Cup Beyer is the best speed of the group.

#7 McTigue ran well at Great Meadow, similar to a flat track course, and placed 1st after Hoffman went off course. The Irv Naylor runner has 3 jump wins, a strong 100 Timeform rating on the flat, and gets a break in weights carrying 147.

#8 Restitution for Keri Brion is the wild card making his American steeplechase debut. #8 Restitution will appreciate the firm turf and Brion says her runner has turned a corner in the last 10 days with strong works at Fair Hill. #8 Restitution will have to overcome the 159 high weight and quick early pace of American racing but the pace should help his off the pace closing stretch kick guided by leading jockey Parker Hendriks.

#1 Awakened (2nd)easily defeated a strong group at Radnor and has run well over relatively flat jump tracks in the past. However, there is enough early pace to cook #1 Awakened on the front end if he tries to go wire to wire. He may last as the speed of the speed to run underneath in tris and supers.

Selections:

A) 5 (4th) - 7 (WON $19.00)

C) 8 (pulled up)

Good luck at the races!