7/23: Saratoga race 1 A P Smithwick steeplechase
 

A P Smithwick handicap is the feature jump race of the day at 2 ⅜ miles around 5 turn over 9 jumps with a healthy 16 pound weight spread.

#5 Proven Innocent comes back after a strong finish winning the Steinman. #5 Proven Innocent always runs well at Saratoga, has good flat track speed but picks up 6 pounds from the course and distance win.

#7 Awakened hit the board in all 3 Saratoga tries, drops 2 pounds from his last effort, and picks up leading rider Graham Waters. Jockey Waters will stretch out #7 Awakened’s top flat track speed and closing kick.

#3 Jimmy P ran within 8 lengths of the 2 best American steeplechase runners, Snap Decision and Abaan, at Nashville carrying level weights. #3 Jimmy P runs well at Saratoga, has good flat track speed, but carries 156 pounds.

#4 Howyabud ran in the 2 toughest races this spring after coming off a 2 ½ year layoff. #4 Howyabud won his only try at Saratoga, The Kiser back in 2022. His sire Milan has an average winning distance of just under 1 ¾ miles so distance is not a concern for long time leading owner Irv Naylor.

Highweight #2 Zarak the Brave (3rd) may run underneath in trifectas and superfectas if jockey Evan Dwan can stay in the saddle.

Selection

A) 5 (2nd) -3

B) 7

C) 4

Good luck at the races!