7/31 (SAR): Johnathan Kiser Memorial Novice Stakes
 

Jonathan Kiser Memorial Novice Stakes steeplechase Race 1 goes 2 ⅜ miles around 5 turns over 9 fences features the stars of tomorrow for American steeplechasing.

The European import #3 Zarak The Brave absolutely towers over this field. According to the Irish Steeplechase handicap ratings, #3 Zarak The Brave is the 17th best hurdler in Ireland with a 152 rating. The highest rating for an American runner is #4 Hold Hard with a 124 rating, 28 points less that #3 Zarak The Brave. So if this was a handicap race, #3 Zarak the Brave would carry 28 pounds more than the best American runner. Since this is a condition allowance stakes, #3 Zarak The Brave is only carrying 3 -12 pounds more than his American rivals.

Looking at who can run underneath, #1 Hidden Path has very good flat track speed and gets in light with 144 pounds for trainer Ricky Hendriks and his son jockey Parker Hendriks. #4 Hold Hard is coming off 2 straight wins and will be running late with jockey Bernie Dalton. Jockey Bernie Dalton took off the mare #6 Clara Belle to ride #4 Hold Hard. After those 2 runners, I would include 2 time winner over jumps #2 Kiyomori and #8 Lightning Rod at the bottom of tris and supers.

Selection:

A) 3

Good Luck at the races!

FYI….missed 2 weeks ago quoting Joliet Jake from the Blues Brothers “Honest! I ran outta gas. I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from outta town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts! It wasn't my fault! I swear to God!”

Actually lost power and Fios from a mini derecho while several trees fell down on the property.

Kiser rescheduled for Wednesday 8/7. I'll post a new write up closer to race day.