Jonathan Sheppard Recap

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Mr. Percy steps up to the big time with Grade 1 win in Jonathan Sheppard

A field of seven went postward in Wednesday’s $150,000 Saratoga summer steeplechase finale, and when the dust cleared it wasn’t any of the three previous G1 winners who finished in the money, but a trio of runners who are only beginning to make their mark in the NSA.

While just two necks separated the triumvirate, it was Shannon Hill Farm’s Mr Percy whose star shone brightest. Coming off a gusty half-length tally over subsequent stakes winner Cyber Ninja in the Jonathan Kiser novice stakes at the Spa in July, the six-year-old Irish bred settled in midpack as Hurricana Farm’s Sweet Will (Bernie Dalton) assumed the lead in the 2 3/8-mile handicap, and held the advantage under a leisurely pace until he was passed by Leipers Fork Steeplechase’s Siennois (Stephen Mulqueen) heading to the clubhouse turn the first time around the course.

Siennois, who began his jump-racing career in the spring and quickly went from maiden to allowance winner, extended his lead to as much as seven or so lengths over the spread out field as they headed up the backside the second time, with Sweet Will in second and Gill Johnston’s recent A.P. Smithwick (G1) star, Smart Uncle, in third. The field bunched up a bit on the final circuit with with Sweet Will narrowing the gap and Mr. Percy moving up closer into third. 

Siennois seemed to repel the challenges, maintaining command rounding the far turn and entering the stretch, opening up by about a length and a half, with Sweet Will on his outside and Mr. Percy to his inside digging down for more to try and catch the leader. With about 100 yards to go, Mr. Percy poked his nose in front, though it was still anyone’s race as Sweet Will battled back. But it was Mr. Percy who was moving fastest of all, prevailing by a scant neck in a driving finish to grab the glory.

Coutach, L’Imperator and Smart Uncle completed the order of finish. Little Trilby was a faller, but his connections said he’s fine. 

With the victory, Mr. Percy became the sixth different winner of each of the NSA’s six Grade 1 events so far this season.

Since coming over from Europe last fall, Mr. Percy has been a top-three finisher in four of his five starts. Prior to taking the Kiser, he signaled his readiness for bigger things ahead with by just missing against the classy Rocket One in the Marcellus Frost novice stakes at the Iroquois Races. 

Full photo coverage to come. The complete gallery can be viewed at www.todmarks.photoshelter.com