Many of the 26 nominees to the $100,000 Maryland Hunt Cup, including likely favorite Senior Senator, are on course to see action on Saturday in the 117th Grand National meet.
Except for one, Monstaleur, the entire field for the 3 1/4-mile Grand National is nominated to the Hunt Cup on Saturday, April 27. The Benjamin H. Murray Memorial, a timber allowance race, contains several Hunt Cup nominees, and one member of the Western Run Plate field is nominated to the four-mile Hunt Cup.
Irvin “Skip” Crawford’s Senior Senator will be seeking his third straight win in the Grand National, and he has been nominated for a shot at his second straight Hunt Cup victory and his third overall. The nine-year-old Domestic Dispute gelding, winner of the 2016 Hunt Cup, is trained by Joe Davies.
Also coming out of the Davies barn is Sportsmans Hall’s Hill Tie, winner of last year’s Murray Memorial before a sixth in the 2018 Virginia Gold Cup, his most recent start.
Last weekend, Davies sent out Gerry L. Brewster’s Hunt Cup nominee Derwins Prospector to finish fifth in the My Lady’s Manor. Derwins Prospector won the 2017 Hunt Cup.
Todd Wyatt trains 2015 Maryland Hunt Cup winner Raven’s Choice, a 2019 nominee who is scheduled to start in the Grand National. Owned by Ann Jackson, Raven’s Choice had his number put up in the Hunt Cup after first finisher Imperial Way lost weights over a fence.
Wyatt also nominated wife Blair’s Witor and Peter and Sarah Jay’s Prime Prospector, both of whom saw action last Saturday at My Lady’s Manor. Witor finished a game second to Mystic Strike in the My Lady’s Manor, and Prime Prospector won the John D. Schapiro Memorial allowance timber race. A fourth Wyatt nominee is Riverdee Stable’s Biedermeier, winner by disqualification of a Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance last November.
Trainer Kathy Neilson has the Grand National on the schedule of Armata Stables’ Joshua G., who finished second to Senior Senator in the 2018 Hunt Cup. He also is a Hunt Cup nominee, along with Irv Naylor’s Ride Away, who is in the Western Run Plate.
Champion trainer Jack Fisher entered Bruton Street-US’s Drift Society in the Grand National as the 11-year-old veteran prepares for another assault on the Hunt Cup. He was third last year, second in 2017, and third in 2016.
Here are the 26 nominees to the 123rd Maryland Hunt Cup.
Ardrahan (GB). 2012 ch. g., Apple Tree—Issaflo, by Alflora. Owner: Irvin S. Naylor. Trainer: Kathy Neilson. Breeder: Swanbridge Bloodstock (GB). 2018 record: 2-1-0-0, $9,000. Won a Genesee Valley Hunt Cup maiden timber after losing his rider at Shawan Downs in a similar race, his first career start.
Battle Aray. 2008 b. g., Johar—Stormy Monday, by Storm Cat. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: William S. Meister. Breeder: Two Hearts Farm (Ky.) 2018 record: No starts. 2017 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. Missed the 2018 season after being pulled up in his only 2017 start, in the Grand National’s Benjamin H. Murray timber allowance. In return to the races after missing 2015 season, won 2016 Genesee Valley maiden timber race, then was fifth in Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance.
Biedermeier. 2011 b. g., Empire Maker—Back Bay Dixie, by Dixieland Band. Owner: Riverdee Stable. Trainer: Todd Wyatt. Breeder: Sienna Farms (Ky.) 2018 record: 2018 record: 3-1-0-0, $13,500. In first season of racing over fences, was placed first in a Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance. Finished fourth in two maiden starts, at Willowdale and Virginia Fall. Had three wins on the flat prior to his jumps debut.
Class Indian. 2007 gr. or ro. g., Waquoit—Class Story, by Class Secret. Owner: Jeremy A. Batoff. Trainer: William Dowling. Breeder: Mede Cahaba Stable and Stud (Va.). 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $1,650. 2017 record: 5-1-1-0, $13,650. 2016 record: 3-1-0-1, $14,000. 2015 record: 4-1-0-2, $14,000. Set early pace and was pulled up in 2019 My Lady’s Manor. Finished sixth in 2018 Winterthur Bowl and John D. Schapiro Memorial amateur apprentice timber at My Lady’s Manor. Fell while leading in 2017 Genesee Valley Hunt Cup. Won 2017 Schapiro, then was fourth in Grand National’s Western Run Plate and second in Winterthur amateur apprentice timber allowance. Won 2016 Queen’s Cup timber allowance.
Daddy in the Dark. 2010 b. g., Bernardini—Appealing Zophie, by Successful Appeal. Owner: H. Bruce Fenwick. Trainer: H. Bruce Fenwick. Breeder: My Meadowview (Ky.). 2018 record: 3-0-0-0, $5,750. 2017 record: 2-1-0-0, $9,750. Finished well-beaten fourth in 2018 Willowdale Steeplechase. Finished fifth in the 2018 Virginia Gold Cup after seventh in Grand National’s Benjamin H. Murray Memorial amateur timber allowance. Won a 2017 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup maiden timber by more than 32 lengths after beginning his career with a fourth over timber at the Virginia Fall Races. Raced on the flat in Maryland and specialized in off tracks.
Derwins Prospector. 2008 ch. g., Van Nistelrooy—Stringtown Sally, by Crafty Prospector. Owner: Gerry L. Brewster. Trainer: Joseph Davies. Breeders: Patricia Lagden and Devi Hall (Ky.). 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $0. Finished fifth in 2019 My Lady’s Manor. Fell late in the 2018 Grand National before fall at 18th fence in Maryland Hunt Cup. Won the 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup by three-quarters of a length in a stirring stretch battle. Finished fifth in the 2017 Grand National. Finished sixth in 2016 Grand National, then lost rider in Maryland Hunt Cup.
Drift Society (Ire). 2008 b. g., Jackson’s Drift—Tansey Yearwood (Ire), by Moscow Society. Owner: Bruton Street-US. Trainer: Jack Fisher. Breeder: Eleanor Bennett (Ire). 2018 record: 2-0-0-1, $11,500. 2017 record: 2-0-3-0, $23,400. Finished distant third in 2018 Maryland Hunt Cup after second by three-quarters of a length in 2017 Hunt Cup. Finished fourth in 2018 My Lady’s Manor. Won 2016 John D. Schapiro amateur apprentice allowance at My Lady’s Manor, then finished good third in Maryland Hunt Cup.
Foyle. 2005 dk. b. or br. g., Yarrow Brae–Londonderry, by Perfecting. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Bruce Fenwick. Breeder: Martha Hopkins (Md.) 2018 record: No starts. 2017 record: 1-0-0-0, $1,200. Finished fifth in 2017 My Lady’s Manor. Finished 10th in 2016 My Lady’s Manor, then lost rider in Maryland Hunt Cup. Fell while leading the 2014 Maryland Hunt Cup. In only other 2014 start, finished second by a nose in the Grand National. Won the 2013 timber championship with late-season victories in the International Gold Cup (as 11.60-1 longshot) and Pennsylvania Hunt Cup.
Gas Can Eddie. 2007 ch. g., Maria’s Mon—Donnan’s Holly, by Dixieland Band. Owner: Mrs. William D. Class Jr. Trainer: William Meister. Breeder: Bohemia Stable (Md.) 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $0. 2017 record: 2-0-0-0, $450. Fell late in 2018 Grand National and lost rider at 12th fence of Maryland Hunt Cup. Finished distant sixth in 2017 Willowdale maiden after bolting in division of John Rush Streett Memorial maiden timber race at 2017 My Lady’s Manor.
Grand Manan. 2009 b. g., Giant’s Causeway—Manoa, by Seeking the Gold. Owner: Armata Stables. Trainer: William Meister. Breeders: Stuart S. Janney III and Phipps Stable (Ky.). 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. 2018 record: 5-0-0-1, $6,200. 2017 record: 5-0-3-0, $28,500. Showed early speed and was pulled up in 2019 My Lady’s Manor. Finished third in 2018 New Jersey Hunt Cup after fifth in Radnor Hunt Cup on very soft ground. Pulled up in Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. Finished second in 2017 International Gold Cup and National Sporting Library and Museum Cup. Closed 2016 season with back-to-back front-running victories in the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup and International Gold Cup.
Hill Tie. 2010 b. g., Dance With Ravens—Ready for Love, by Not For Love. Owner: Sportsmans Hall. Trainer: Joseph G. Davies. Breeders: Corbett Farm and John B. Secor (Md.) 2018 record: 3-1-1-0, $17,700. 2017 record: 1-0-0-1, $1,500. Finished sixth in 2018 Virginia Gold Cup. Won his maiden victory in Grand National’s 2018 Benjamin H. Murray Memorial amateur timber allowance after second in John Rush Streett maiden timber at My Lady’s Manor.
Jeffery G. 2007 ch. g., Awad—Search for Reality, by Regal Search. Owner-trainer: Jason L. Cole. Breeder: Jason L. Cole (Pa.). 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $1.000. 2018 record: 3-0-0-0, $2,100. 2017 record: No starts. Finished fourth in 2019 John Rush Streett maiden timber. Finished fourth in maiden timber races at 2018 Genesee Valley and Pennsylvania Hunt Cup meets. In comeback race after missing the 2017 season, finished fifth in a division of the John Rush Streett maiden timber.
Joshua G. 2006 ch. g., Run Softly—Search for Reality, by Regal Search. Owner: Armata Stables. Trainer: Kathy Neilson. Breeder: Jason L. Cole (Pa.) 2018 record: 2-0-1-0, $20,000. 2017 record: 2-0-0-0, $1,050. Finished second, beaten five lengths, in 2018 Maryland Hunt Cup after fifth in Grand National. Fell at sixth fence of 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup, then was last of six in Willowdale Steeplechase. Finished fourth in 2016 Grand National, then fell in Maryland Hunt Cup and finished third in Willowdale amateur allowance timber.
Old Timer. 2006 b. g., Orientate—Chatham Hall, by Green Dancer. Owner: Kinross Farm. Trainer: Richard L. Valentine. Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds (Ky.) 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $2,500. 2017 record: 2-0-1-0, $5,400. 2016 record: 4-0-1-2, $17,400. Finished fourth in 2018 Grand National, then fell at third fence of Maryland Hunt Cup. Was leading in 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup when he unseated his rider at second-to-last fence. Finished second in 2017 Grand National, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. Finished third in 2016 New Jersey Hunt Cup after second in Radnor Hunt Cup.
Our Town. 2009 gr. or ro. g., Purim—Eurosceptic, by Cozzene. Owners: Gerry Brewster, George Tydings, and Richard F. Blue Jr. Trainer: Joseph Davies. Breeder: F. Bruce Miller (Pa.) 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $600. 2018 record: No starts. 2017 record: 3-0-0-0, $600. Finished sixth in 2019 John Rush Streett maiden timber at My Lady’s Manor. Unseated jockey early in 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup after seventh in Grand National’s Benjamin H. Murray Memorial amateur allowance timber race. Pulled up in 2016 Virginia Gold Cup after finishing third and placed second in 2016 Murray.
Out Playing. 2010 b. g., Outlanker—Dancing Ballade, by Devil’s Bag. Owner: Donald Cochran. Trainer: Todd McKenna. Breeder: Daybreak Stables (W.Va.) 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $600. 2017 record: 2-0-0-0, $450. Finished fifth in 2018 John D. Schapiro Memorial at My Lady’s Manor and then was pulled up in Grand National’s Benjamin Murray Memorial. Finished sixth in the 2017 John Rush Streett Memorial at the Manor and was eighth in the Murray. Looking for career maiden win.
Pocket Talk (Ire). 2010 dk. b. or br. g., Alkaadhem—Glen Supreme, by Supreme Leader. Owner: Kinross Farm. Trainer: Joseph G. Davies. Breeder: A. R. M. M. Kavanagh (Ire). 2018 record: 2-0-0-1, $2,750. In first career start, finished fourth in 2018 John Rush Streett division at My Lady’s Manor and then third in Grand National’s Benjamin Murray Memorial amateur allowance timber.
Prime Prospector. 2008 b. g., Seeking the Gold—Remember Love, by A.P. Indy. Owner: Peter A. and Sarah M. Jay. Trainer: Todd Wyatt. Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds (Ky.) 2019 record: 1-1-0-0, $6,000. 2018 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. 2017 record: 3-1-0-0, $10,750. Scored hard-fought victory in 2019 John D. Schapiro Memorial at My Lady’s Manor. Lost rider at 14th fence in 2018 Maryland Hunt Cup. Won a 2017 Willowdale timber allowance after fourth-place finishes at My Lady’s Manor and Grand National. Finished third in 2016 International Gold Cup.
Raven’s Choice. 2007 dk. b. or br. g., Dance With Ravens—Millashand, by Regal Intention. Owner: Ann Jackson. Trainer: Todd Wyatt. Breeder: Cary W. Jackson (Md.) 2018 record: 2-0-1-0, $10,400. 2017 record: 3-0-0-1, $3,300. Finished second in 2018 Grand National, then was fifth in Willowdale Steeplechase. Finished third in 2017 Grand National. Won 2016 Grand National, then fell at 16th fence in Maryland Hunt Cup. Placed first in 2015 Maryland Hunt Cup after finishing close second. Won 2014 Willowdale Steeplechase.
Ride Away. 2011 b. g., Candy Ride (Arg)—East Hampton, by Meadowlake. Owner: Irvin S. Naylor. Trainer: Katherine Neilson. Breeder: Pin Oak Stud (Ky.) 2018 record: 3-0-0-1, $2,000. 2017 record: 3-1-1-0, $12,300. Finished third in 2018 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance after seventh in Shawan Downs’ Legacy Chase and being pulled up in Virginia Fall’s Steeplethon. Easily won 2017 Winterthur amateur allowance timber allowance before second in similar race at Willowdale.
Senior Senator. 2010 b. g., Domestic Dispute—Queen Kennelot, by Awesome Again. Owner: Irvin L. Crawford II. Trainer: Joseph Davies. Breeder: Charles C. D. McGill (Pa.) 2018 record: 2-2-0-0, $90,000. 2017 record: 2-1-0-0, $18,000. Won his second Maryland Hunt Cup victory in 2018 after coming back from neck surgery. Won 2018 Grand National for second consecutive year. Fell at third fence of 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup. Won 2016 Maryland Hunt Cup after setting most of the pace.
Sovereign Fund. 2006 dk. b. or br. g., Giant’s Causeway—Colonial Play, by Pleasant Colony. Owner: Upland Partners. Trainer: Todd McKenna. Breeder: Robert S. Evans (Ky.) 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $1,500. 2017 record: No starts. In first start since 2015, finished sixth in 2018 Grand National before fall at Maryland Hunt Cup’s 20th fence. Finished fourth in 2015 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup for second straight year. Finished second in 2015 Willowdale Steeplechase after win in Grand National’s Benjamin H. Murray Memorial timber allowance race.
Sumo Power. 2006 dk. b. or br. g., Dynaformer—Connie’s Spirit, by Theatrical (Ire). Owner: Rosman Mackenzie. Trainer: Lia McGuirk. Breeder: Mercedes Stable (Ky.). 2019 record: 1-0-0-0, $0. 2018 record: No starts. 2017 record: 4-0-1-1, $8,300. Pulled up in 2019 John D. Schapiro Memorial at My Lady’s Manor. Finished fifth in Pennsylvania Hunt Cup after second in Genesee Valley Hunt Cup. Finished third in 2017 Willowdale timber allowance after ninth in Grand National’s Benjamin H. Murray Memorial. Had two wins over hurdles and won Western Run Plate at 2015 Grand National.
Vintage Vinnie (Ire). 2009 b. g., Vinnie Roe (Ire)—Bobby’s Jet, by Bob’s Return. Owner: Armata Stables. Trainer: Joseph G. Davies. Breeder: Carmel Hennessy (Ire). 2018 record: 1-0-1-0, $2,700. 2017 NSA record: No starts. In only U.S. start, finished second in division of 2018 John Rush Streett Memorial at My Lady’s Manor. Winner of an Aintree steeplechase by 22 lengths in June 2017, he subsequently was unplaced in the Galway Plate Steeplechase.
Wildcatter. 2008 dk. b. or br. g., Tale of the Cat—Cita My Dear, by Kris S. Owner: Armata Stables. Trainer: Elizabeth Voss. Breeder: Ramona S. Bass (Ky.) 2018 record: 2-0-0-0, $0. 2017 record: 2-0-0-1, $3,000. Pulled up in 2018 My Lady’s Manor and refused fence late in Maryland Hunt Cup. Finished third in the 2017 Radnor Hunt Cup after falling in Grand National. Finished second and placed first in 2015 Radnor Hunt Cup.
Witor (Ger). 2008 b. g., Dashing Blade—Wurfspeil, by Lomitas (GB). Owner: Blair Wyatt. Trainer: Todd Wyatt. Breeder: Gestut Farhof (Ger). 2019 record: 1-0-1-0, $9,000. 2018 record: 2-1-0-1, $13,000. 2017 record: 2-1-0-0, $10,250. Finished game second in 2019 My Lady’s Manor. Won 2018 John D. Schapiro Memorial amateur apprentice timber at My Lady’s Manor, then was third in Winterthur Bowl. Scored maiden timber victory at 2017 Willowdale meet and then was fourth in a Fair Hill timber novice.