Makari wins Smithwick in U.S. debut

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Makari made his U.S. debut a memorable one, winning a nose bob from course record holder Demonstrative to capture Thursday’s Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase Stakes at Saratoga.

Makari also gave Elizabeth Voss a great memory of her own, the first Grade 1 victory of her training career. Voss, the daughter of legendary steeplechase and flat trainer Tom Voss, trains Makari for Merriebelle Stable.

Makari benefitted from a perfectly judged ride by jockey Jack Doyle, who kept the 7-year-old in mid-pack for the first 1 3/4 miles of the 2 1/16-mile Smithwick. Doyle angled Makari to the rail while advancing on the final bend, and the pair moved on even terms with Demonstrative approaching the final hurdle. Makari bobbled a bit coming over the last jump but recovered quickly.

Demonstrative, who set the course mark when winning the Grade 1 New York Turf Writers Handicap two years ago, gained the advantage settling into the stretch, still held a narrow lead coming off the final hurdle, but could not quite last. Pleasant Woodman set the pace and finished a tiring third, 7 1/4 lengths farther back.

The Jonathan Sheppard-trained entry of Italian Wedding, Barnstorming and Divine Fortune finished sixth, ninth and last in the 10-horse field, with Divine Fortune leaving the course prior to the final fence.

Makari paid $11.60.

“This is my first graded win and it’s exciting to have it come at Saratoga which I love so much,” said Voss. “I can’t take much credit for this horse. We’ve only had him for two weeks. My husband picked him out for the owners, he came off the plane and was pretty straightforward. We took a chance, and it worked out.”

Voss admitted to being a little concerned when her horse did not take the last jump cleanly.

“The last fence always makes me nervous,” said Voss.

Voss said Makari would likely return in the New York Turf Writers on Aug. 21.