Belmont at Aqueduct hosts the final NYRA steeplechase event of the year with the Lonesome Glory Handicap Stakes going 2 ½ miles around 5 turns over 10 jumps. 7 runners compete with a mix of novice and veteran Grade I runners and an 18 pound spread in weight assignments. There is just over a ½ mile flat run after the last jump to the finish.
Two fall meets have pari mutuel wagering. Far Hills New Jersey on Saturday October 19 with a betting platform hosted by Monmouth and The International Gold Cup at Great Meadow Virginia on Saturday October 26 with a betting platform hosted by Twinspires. The total for all betting pools at Far Hills average about $50,000 a race and at Great Meadow, only about $11,000 per race. The wagering platforms are not making any money carrying these races so please make an effort to wager on these two events so the pari mutuel plug does not get pulled.#7 L’Imperator has top weight of 158 pounds but has the fastest flat track speed and has 2 flat track steeplechase wins from 5 starts. #7 L’Imperator also had an impressive flat race tune up finishing 3rd in The Colonial Cup Stakes on September 7. #7 L’Imperator will sit comfortably in 3rd off the pace set by #1 Hidden Path and #5 Going Country and will show speed and class after the last jump to run down the tiring pacesetters.
#3 Evie’s Prince is the best of the novice runners and would be a heavy favorite if The Entenmann Novice Stakes filled. #3 Evie’s Prince won both of his flat track steeplechase races and carries 144 pounds, 14 pounds less than his main rival #7 L’Imperator. #3 Evie’s Prince will come from off the pace and has demonstrated effective speed after the last jump in his 2 flat track steeplechase wins.
#2 Westerland and #6 Freddy Flintshire can run underneath in tris and supers.
Selection
A) 7 – 3
Good luck at the races!
