All Gong goes for Chase repeat

An extremely competitive field of nine jumpers, including the defending champion, All Gong, were pre-entered on Tuesday for the $250,000 Breeders' Cup Steeplechase on Oct. 20.

The Grade 1 Steeplechase, the richest jump race in this country, will be run at the Far Hills Races in Far Hills, N.J.

All Gong, who won the Eclipse Award last year after winning the Breeders' Cup in course-record time, has finished second in each of his four races this year.

Despite All Gong's winless record this season, his trainer, Bruce Miller, is confident his 7-year-old is ready for a top effort in Steeplechase, which drew seven Grade 1 winners.

"He's coming up to it probably better than last year," Miller said. The trainer noted that a Sept. 29 race at Shawan Downs "was a better prep than he had last year, and he's better than he was this time last year."

Also entered in the 2 5/8-mile Steeplechase are Praise the Prince; Pinkie Swear; It's a Giggle; Yellowroad; Flasher; Hokan; Quel Senor; and Lord Zada.

Entries close on Oct. 16 for the Steeplechase, a weight-for-age race.