All the Way Jose looking to go all the way
SARATGOA SPRINGS, N.Y. » It has taken time for steeplechaser All the Way Jose to return to top form, and he did so in style at Fair Hills on May 27.
Posting his first victory in a long time, he drew off by 15 lengths at 2 ¼ miles over hurdles.
The champion novice of 2014, owned by Buttonwood Farm and trained by Jonathan Sheppard, looked to join the upper levels of the sport, but instead endured a period of disappointment.
“He kind of lost his way after his champion novice season,” said Sheppard. “We discovered a respiratory problem and he had surgery at the New Bolton Center. I think it then took him a while to get his courage back. Sometimes horses have the fear of that pain even after the problem has been corrected.”
Sheppard did not get into the Hall of Fame by rushing things, and the result is All the Way Jose among the contenders in Thursday’s Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick Steeplechase at 2 1/16 miles.
“He has really come back with a bang this year,” said Sheppard.
Keri Brion rides All the Way Jose at 144 pounds in the $100,000 Smithwick.
Sheppard credited her for suggesting blinkers , which went on for his last start.
“We know the Smithwick is a tough spot, and I think any number can win it,” he said. ”It’s a good betting race for sure. But we’re hopeful he continues to go forward.”
The Smithwick top weight is Mr. Hot Stuff, who won the event in 2013.
Out of action for all of 2016, he is winless in two outings this year, marked by not finishing his last race, the Grade 1 Iroquois on May 13.
Portrade looks like he’ll be a major factor in the Smithwick.
He won the Grade 1 New York Turf Writers here last summer in his usual pace-setting fashion.
He is trained by Elizabeth Voss, as is Modem, who arrives from Ireland for his first start in the United States in the Smithwick.
He comes off a victory at 2 3/8 miles on May 30 .
Completing the Smithwick field are Simenon, Schoodic,
Andi’amu, Diplomat, Balance the Budget, Swansea Mile, and Charminster.
THE JOHN MORRISSEY: A highly competitive field of 12 New York-breds is entered in the $100,000 John Morrissey at 6 ½ furlongs, a race that honors one of the key founders of Saratoga Race Course.
They don’t come much tougher than Weekend Hideaway, who has won four of eight career starts at the Spa and was a close fourth in last year’s Morrissey.
The speedy Bustin It enters the Morrissey off four straight sprint wins this year, leading all the way every time.
Trainer Linda Rice, who is enjoying a fine year, has entered Gypsum Johnny and Papa Shot.
The former led all the way at one mile on July 7 at Belmont Park, while the latter also drops back in distance off a third at 1 1/16 miles on July 2.
Celtic Chaos comes off a rallying victory in the Affirmed Success Stakes at Belmont on Apr. 28.
Although drawn outside in post 12, there may be enough speed in this race to set him up for a third straight win.
Completing the field are Ostrolenka, Brimstone, Fish Trappe Road, Breakin’ the Fever, Candid Desire, Eye Luv Lulu, and T Loves a Fight.
Eye Luv Lulu exits a dull effort in the Commentator at Belmont on May 29.
But before that he was second by a neck to Celtic Chaos in the Affirmed Success.