In his second steeplechase stakes try this meet, Maryland bred Who’s Counting returns after a solid fourth in the Grade I A.P. Smithwick Memorial. In Wednesday’s first race, Who’s Counting will compete in the Grade I Jonathan Sheppard Handicap as he breaks from post five. Sitting in fourth for most of the Smithwick, Who’s Counting doesn’t get it any easier this time around, but has been a consistent finisher and should have no problem with this distance. Once again conditioned by co trainer and jockey Sean McDermott, this seven year old gelding by Vancouver (AUS) – Counter Measure, by Henrythenavigator looks to give his racing partner a breakthrough win at the Spa in this prestigious Grade I.

Bred and owned South Branch Equine LLC, Who’s Counting has kept strong company in his steeplechase tries, competing in six straight graded hurdle races. Between those six races, this gelding has run on flat turf three times, winning once back in September at Laurel Park. While his finishes have been a bit inconsistent over the hurdles, he has still managed to hit the board in eighteen of his twenty-nine turf tries lifetime while amassing $330,036 in career earnings. For his rider Sean McDermott, he is still searching for his first Saratoga graded victory, picking up three Michael G. Walsh wins over the last decade over this track and seven victories here lifetime. On the training side, McDermott has yet to capture a graded win at any track, and hasn’t reached the winner’s circle here as a dual jockey-trainer. With no clear standout in this field, Who’s Counting could be in line for a big effort for McDermott as he has kept good company and always finishes out his steeplechase efforts. A more forward trip may be in store in this spot for the 9/2 morning line Who’s Counting as he looks to keep this strong meet going for Midlantic breds.

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