Fair Hill returns. Six races. And Riverdee returns. Four runners.
The Races at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory rolls back into action at the venerable Cecil County oval. Revamped, refurbished and reimagined, the races commence for the first time since 2019. No jumping this time around – baby steps, baby steps – but we’re excited to see one of the sport’s mainstays back on the schedule. And thank you to everyone who has helped get the show back on the road.
Riverdee entered four horses on the six-race card.
New recruit De La Cruz makes his Riverdee debut in the opener. Trained by Julie Gomena and ridden by Graham Watters, the son of Divisidero takes on seven rivals in the 1 5/8-mile maiden. With three seconds and four thirds in 11 starts for Christophe and Miguel Clement, the 4-year-old is the 2-1 favorite on the morning line.
“He’s a lovely individual. We’ve had him about two weeks. He’s been great to ride, very well balanced, lovely canter,” Gomena said. “He’s so laid back and relaxed. I’m guessing he’s going to be very good over jumps by the way he goes. I’ve waited to pop him over a log. We are looking forward to his race.”
And, yes, we’ve nicknamed him Elly and, yes, there are shares available.
Post time 1:00.
We are shooting for the daily double as Lorraine clashes with seven rivals in the second race. The French-bred filly is another one with plenty of on-the-board finishes. She’s produced six seconds in 11 starts. Trained by Danielle Hodsdon and ridden by Graham Watters, the daughter of Shalaa is the 9-5 favorite against seven rivals in the filly and mare maiden.
“She’s worked over the course three times this summer so she should be comfortable going over there,” Hodsdon said. “She should love the distance. I’m excited to get back running at Fair Hill. Looking forward to a good day at the races.”
Post time 1:40.
Is there an early pick three? Mortal Sin gets back to work after winning at Delaware Park Aug. 20. Trained by Danielle Hodsdon and ridden by Stephen Mulqueen, the 4-year-old is 4-1 against seven foes in the starter allowance going 1 5/8 miles.
“We were really happy with his last race and have always thought of him as horse who wants to go long on the turf,” Hodsdon said. “Same as Lorraine, he’s been over there three times, handles it well, travels over the turf great.”
Post time 2:20.
Welshman makes his debut for Riverdee after a successful career for Sonny Via. The longtime Virginia-based owner died in April and the son of Flintshire transferred to Riverdee this summer. The Grade 2 stakes winner will use the 1 5/8-mile flat race as a prep for hurdle stakes this fall. Trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Graham Watters, Welshman is third choice against eight opponents in the $25,000 flat race restricted to horses who have run over jumps. Shares available.
“Cool horse, been with us for five seasons and we’ve had some big days,” Fisher said. “We’re just looking to get started, use this as step to fall hurdle stakes. Maybe Aqueduct, probably Foxfield, things like that.”
Post time 3:40.
You can watch all the races at Fair Hill.
• Sunday, Vintage Year travels to Kentucky Downs for an allowance race going 1 5/16 miles. The three-time winner drew the outside post in the fourth race, $190,000 allowance race. Without any options over hurdles this summer, the son of Point Of Entry will use this as a prep for fall goals. Trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Vincent Cheminaud, the 6-year-old is 20-1. That could be value.
Post time 3:39.
You can watch all the Kentucky Downs action.
• We entered Cyber Ninja at Kentucky Downs Sept. 4. The 5-year-old son of Arrogate drew post two in the $200,000 allowance going 1 ½ miles. Jose Ortiz, who won on the son of Arrogate way back when he was a flat horse for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, takes over for the injured Jose Lezcano.
• Read Joe Clancy’s preview of the Fair Hill Races. Picks and all.
• The Saratoga Special printed its final edition of the 2025 season. Read it here.
