Former Galway Hurdle winner Zarak The Brave has finished in the frame in two Grade 1s this season most recent 3/4l second to Jimmy P in the Jonathan Sheppard at Saratoga (2m3f). He looked the likely winner for most of the race but was outbattled and a further step up in trip may not be ideal. HIDDEN PATH was 4 lengths adrift in third but jockey was caught napping when pace quickened three out but stayed on strongly and on 2lb better terms over a longer trip may be able to reverse placings. Trainer Richard J Hendricks has also won this race twice in past the last ten years. Welshman has a couple of Grade 1 placings to his name and comes here in good form having won a Flat race for Jumps horses at Far Hills at the end of August and can go close. Evie's Prince was very disappointing in a novice event at Saratoga last time but has place claims on his second in the Grade 1 Beverley R Steinman (Saratoga, 2m3f). Perhaps the most interesting runner is Swore, who has only had two runs over hurdles but has clearly taken to obstacles well - travelling well and staying on strongly when winning over 2m2f at Colonial Downs.
#1 Sweet Will (IRE)
Jockey: Trainer:#2 Swore
Jockey: Trainer:Date | Race | Type | Class | Dist. | GNG | SP | OR | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21/08/25 | Colonial Downs | Maiden, Special Weight - H | - | - | F | 4/5 | - | 1 / 8 by 2.25 L |
17/07/25 | Colonial Downs | Maiden, Special Weight - H | - | - | F | 29/10 | - | 2 / 9 |
31/10/24 | Belmont At The Big A | Allowance, Optional Claiming - F | - | - | F | 33/5 | - | 6 / 10 |
05/09/24 | Kentucky Downs | Allowance - F | - | - | F | 133/50 | - | 3 / 12 |
#3 Zarak the Brave (FR)
Jockey: Trainer:#4 Bee Well
Jockey: Trainer:Date | Race | Type | Class | Dist. | GNG | SP | OR | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04/09/25 | Kentucky Downs | Allowance - F | - | - | F | 821/20 | - | 2 / 11 |
24/07/25 | Colonial Downs | Handicap - H | - | - | F | 16/5 | - | 3 / 9 |
03/05/25 | Great Meadow | Allowance - H | - | - | F | 81/10 | - | 7 / 9 |
22/03/25 | Aiken | Maiden, Optional Claiming - H | - | - | G | - | - | 1 / 9 by 2.25 L |