Orchestra Leader, on the outside in yellow blinkers, won the 2015 Daniel Van Clief Memorial at Foxfield Spring. (Betsy Burke Parker photo)
Team Ollie’s Orchestra Leader returned to the winner’s circle Saturday after surging to a three-quarter-length victory in the $25,000 ratings handicap at the inaugural The Cup Runneth Over in Camden, S.C.
With Keri Brion in the saddle for trainer Jonathan Sheppard, the 10-year-old veteran secured his first victory in 18 months. Multiple winner of Foxfield Spring’s Daniel Van Clief Memorial, Orchestra Leader ran the 2 3/8-mile distance in 4:13 3/5 on turf rated as good.
Woodslane Farm’s Pick Em finished second under Willie McCarthy for trainer Jack Fisher, and Gil Johnston’s Ack Feisty finished third in a crowded field of 14.
The Cup Runneth Over, a meet sponsored by the National Steeplechase Association and the Carolina Cup Racing Association, drew large and competitive fields to Springdale Race Course. The meet was organized after the Georgia Steeplechase canceled its races, which were scheduled for Saturday, in mid-March.