Bob Le Beau strong favorite to repeat in NY Turf Writers Cup

Although there may have been some anxious moments when he had 19 length-deficit to make up, Bob Le Beau did so and more when taking the A.P. Smithwick Memorial (G1) earlier this month. On Thursday, the nine-year-old will go for a sweep of Saratoga's major steeplechases in the $150,000 New York Turf Writers Cup (G1) over 2 3/8 miles.

The 6-5 morning line choice, Bob Le Beau is also seeking a title defense of the Turf Writers Cup, which he won by more than seven lengths a year ago. A later victory in the Lonesome Glory (G1) put him in contention for an Eclipse Award, but a fifth to Dawalan in the Colonial Cup (G1) in his season finale ended those aspirations.

Bob Le Beau will face five others including Scorpiancer, who he ran down late to score by a length in the Smithwick. Also returning from the Smithwick are that race's early pacesetter, Portrade, who weakened to third, and Schoodic, the National Hunt Cup (G3) winner who made no impact in a sixth-place effort.

Charminster, a Grade 2 winner over Schoodic earlier this season, makes his first outing since running second to that rival in the National Hunt Cup in May. The field is rounded out by Andi'amu, who was well-beaten in his only prior stakes try in the U.S.

(Adam Coglianese Photography)