Always a hectic, frenetic day. The day before race day. Especially the day before the biggest race day of the year. Far Hills puts on its annual star-studded card tomorrow, led by the $250,000 Grand National. Unfortunately, we’ll be watching the big one this year and dreaming about next year. Because that’s what we do.
Irish raiders Fil Dor, Ballysax Hank and Zanahiyr take on American’s best, last year’s champion Snap Decision, upstart novice Swore and Iroquois specialist Vae Patron. Imports Howyabud and Boldog represent the home country as well. A tough assignment for Snap, but he has risen to the occasion in the past. Cool race.
Riverdee sends two representatives to Far Hills.
Serifos makes his second start for Riverdee and Ten Strike in the McDynamo Maiden Sweepstakes, in honor of a horse who won at Far Hills seven years in a row. A maiden, a novice and five consecutive Grand Nationals. Now that’s an accomplishment. Serifos learned on the fly in the maiden at Shawan, finishing fifth. The son of Into Mischief is a big price for Graham Watters and Jack Fisher.
Two races later, Cyber Ninja puts his undefeated hurdle record on the line in the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle. A big step up for a first-year hurdle horse but the son of Arrogate has done nothing wrong in wins at Colonial and Shawan. He’s 3-1 morning line favorite. Watters rides for Fisher.
A winner at Far Hills will make your season.
Imarajan rallied to be third at the Curragh yesterday. Solid return for the son of Camelot. Onward and upward.
Serifos at Shawan Downs.
