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Saturday is the biggest American jumps meeting of the year, at Far Hills, New Jersey. Entries https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FH101924USA-EQB.html or https://nationalsteeplechase.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Final-Overnight-for-Far-Hills.pdf
Full card will be broadcast on Youtube and the NSA website and the American Grand National itself may or may not be broadcast on Sky Racing (it was last year). Wagering is available for Americans on NYRABets, TVG and Monmouth Bets and for UK resident…somewhere, probably.The novice stakes immediately before the AGN is also notable with Ian Williams’ Saint Riquier (Charlie Todd getting his first ride in the USA) and Gordon Elliott’s Set Point both in the field. Elliott also has Familiar Dreams in the bumper at the end of the card.
My picks for the big race:
Snap Decision – Best jumps horse in the USA and probably the best firm ground horse anywhere right now (and you can’t argue with me because you all never race on truly firm ground :-). Unfortunately the last two years the ground at Far Hills has come up yielding, but this year there’s no rain in sight all week so he’ll actually get his ground. Snap was barred from the big summer G1s because NYRA thinks 10 is too old for horses to racem so he prepped in a G3 two weeks ago (he finished 3rd, but the ground was soft). If he’s fully fit he should win.
L’Imperator – Has really blossomed this season with multiple graded stakes placings and a win in a rather weak G1 at Aqueduct. Likes firm turf, model of consistency, expect him to be in the money again.
Noah and the Ark – Last year’s winner, had two decent runs behind Snap Decision in the spring but was also barred from NYRA and his trainer opted not to run him in a prep. Has the distinction of beating Snap on firm ground (carrying 20lbs less, no less) back in 2022.
Jimmy P – Ran a HUGE race in the Jonathan Sheppard last out, even considering the absence of the big 10yos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22QNiZnt0OU His official margin of victory was 34 1/2 lengths. But has been very inconsistent otherwise and could bounce from that big effort.
Gordon Elliott brought over Galvin to run here. His best form is behind him and I’m not sure he’s at his best at 2 5/8 miles over hurdles, but he could certainly pull an upset.
Link to watch the full card, hopefully available outside the US https://www.youtube.com/live/Q9v5f8QfrpY?si=NxJZUyAUo5k_WO7V
First post in about 45 minutes…
SNAP DECISION wins in a thriller!!! An incredible race where he got passed by Galvin and High Definition and looked beaten but came back in the last few strides. What a heart this horse has.
I backed High Definition and the horse that pulled up but I’m pleased for the winner. Thanks for the link!
Great race. I hadn’t heard much about Snap Decision but looks like a proper champion. What a strange career High Definition has had. Wasn’t he another of AOB’s “best I have trained” and favourite for the Derby at one time?
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