We are back in action.
The 11-stop fall steeplechase season rolls through Shawan Downs today. Riverdee unleashes Mission Brief, Palio, Queens Empire and Potus on the 24th renewal of the six-race steeplechase meet in Hunt Valley, Md. Right-handed, high ground in the stretch, low ground down the backside, two tight turns and two long straightaways. Natural amphitheater for viewing. Fair racecourse, no excuses. Oh, we’ll come up with something, don’t worry.
Mission Brief returns to the races for his first start since winning at Middleburg Spring Races in 2023. Trained by Danielle Hodsdon, the son of Noble Mission faces nine rivals and 2 miles in his comeback run. Bernie Dalton rides for the first time.
Post time 1:50 p.m.
Palio steps out of the maiden ranks after a dominant win at Colonial Downs in August. Purchased in England late this spring, the Irish-bred notched a third and a win and banked $35,000 at the Virginia oval this summer. Trained by Jack Fisher and ridden for the first time by Stephen Mulqueen, the 4-year-old clashes with six rivals in the $35,000 allowance hurdle.
With plenty of rain this week, the ground presents the biggest question, the biggest unknown. Part of the reason we bought Palio was because he didn’t handle heavy ground in England. He finished third on soft ground at Ludlow in February, but his best work was certainly on good ground there and firm ground here. Having said that, none of the seven starters have proven form over soft ground.
Post time 2:30.
With an oversubscribed maiden timber, Queens Empire takes his chances in the Brown Advisory Timber Stakes. The 7-year-old has picked up checks in all 18 steeplechase starts including eight over timber but faces the likes of Schoodic and Storm Team in the 3-mile stakes.
Apprentice Virginia Korrell rides for the second time.
Post time 3:10.
Potus returns to the races for his first start since finishing third in a maiden timber at Willowdale in May. Trained by Fisher, the son of Lemon Drop Kid won once on the flat and twice over hurdles before switching codes. The 6-year-old takes on 11 foes in the 3 1/8-mile race. Mulqueen rides for the first time.
Post time 3:50.
Watch all races live.
