A fresh outlook on Garner in the Jonathan Sheppard – Saratogian

Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is known for its prestigious horse racing events, and Thomas Garner has certainly made a name for himself at Saratoga Race Course. The retired steeplechase jockey has had remarkable success at the Spa, winning six Grade 1 races, including four editions of the Jonathan Sheppard Handicap and two runnings of the A. P. Smithwick Memorial. Garner has now transitioned to training jumpers, and he is set to make his mark in the training world with Zarak the Brave in the $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard.

Zarak the Brave, bred in France, will be making his North American debut in the Jonathan Sheppard. The 5-year-old gelding has an impressive record of 4-4-4 from 14 starts with earnings of $341,735 while racing in France, Ireland, and England. Favored at 9-5 on the morning line, Zarak the Brave will carry a field-high 158 pounds in today’s race, with Graham Watters in the saddle.

Garner, although experienced in the racing world, admits to feeling nervous as a trainer. He expressed his excitement and hopes for Zarak the Brave to shine in the spotlight at Saratoga. The talented bay finished second in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle in Ireland and has shown promise in his previous races.

Leipers Fork Steeplechasers‘ Pickanumber and Artistic Choice, trained by Leslie Young, will also be contenders in the Jonathan Sheppard. Pickanumber finished second in the Grade 1 A. P. Smithwick Memorial in his American debut, while Artistic Choice seeks his first stakes victory. Irvin Naylor’s Too Friendly will make his first stateside outing in the race.

Abaan, trained by Kate Dalton, will aim to bounce back from a fifth-place finish in the Smithwick. The 7-year-old gelding had a four-race win streak before that race and will be looking to regain his winning form in the Jonathan Sheppard. The field is completed by Jimmy P and Going Country for Keri Brion, as well as Kiyomori for trainer Todd Wyatt.

The Jonathan Sheppard promises to be a thrilling race with a competitive field of talented jumpers. As the horses take to the track at Saratoga Race Course, all eyes will be on Zarak the Brave and the other contenders as they vie for victory in this prestigious event. Stay tuned for the exciting action and see who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes race.