Stablemates Baltimore Bucko, French Light go one-two in A. P. Smithwick Memorial

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Keri Brion made an auspicious Saratoga debut Thursday, sending out Baltimore Bucko and French Light to a 1-2 finish in the Grade 1, $150,000 A. P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase at Saratoga.

Baltimore Bucko was put on the lead by jockey Thomas Garner and led over all eight National fences and throughout the 2 1/16 miles to win by 5 3/4 lengths. French Light, last of six early, rallied to be second by 2 3/4 lengths over Gibralfaro. Redicean, Galway Kid (also trained by Brion) and Cite completed the order of finish.

Brion was an 11-year assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, and took over the stable after Sheppard announced his retirement in January. Brion wintered in Ireland and returned to the U.S. in the spring, and had five wins from 30 starters entering Thursday.

“It’s been a whirlwind couple of months taking over,” Brion said. “It was very sudden. I had no idea it was happening. I was in Ireland when it happened. I had to move my whole string to Fair Hill. The owners stayed with me, which was great. Their loyalty to me is why I’m here.”

Brion didn’t see much speed in the Smithwick and she felt that both French Light and Galway Kid would need something to run at in order to effective. Baltimore Bucko had won a hurdle allowance last November when put on the lead.

Thursday, Baltimore Bucko opened up a 5 1/2-length lead and was never seriously threatened. Baltimore Bucko, a 5-year-old Irish-bred gelding by Sholokhov, completed the 2 1/16 miles in 3:56.49 and returned $7.80 as the favorite.

“He actually won on the lead in the fall - not a very good race, but he had done it,” Brion said. “My other two need something to run at and I didn’t think there was going to be much pace, so I thought maybe he’ll get loose on the lead and no one will catch him. They kind of gave him the race to be fair, but I’m not complaining.”

Brion said she had to make a late rider switch on French Light, replacing Richard Condon with Harrison Beswick. Brion said Condon failed a breathalyzer test given to all jockeys prior to each race day.

“The difference between Baltimore Bucko and French is that Bucko had a run,” Brion said. “French hasn’t run since Ireland. In a month, the tables might turn.”

Brion will point both horses to the Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard Stakes on Aug. 19. The Sheppard was formerly run as the New York Turf Writers Cup.

“When I heard they changed the name, that’s been in the back of my head this whole time,” Brion said. “I hope to God we can come back with these two and maybe another one and give it a go.”