The Grade I A. P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap returns to Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, showcasing elite steeplechase talent over 2 3/8 miles on turf. With a $150,000 purse, this prestigious hurdle event for four-year-olds and up draws a deep field of seasoned jumpers, including multiple Grade I winners and international contenders. Here’s your SEO-optimized race breakdown featuring horse profiles, jockeys, trainers, pedigrees, and strategic insights.
Race Details
Race Name: A. P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap (Grade I)
Location: Saratoga Race Course, NY
Date: July 23, 2025
Distance: 2 3/8 miles (Turf)
Surface: Mellon Turf Course
Purse: $150,000
Type: Steeplechase Handicap
Eligibility: 4-year-olds and older
Contender Profiles & Pedigree Analysis
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight | Pedigree |
| Proven Innocent | Jack Fisher | Jamie Bargary | 152 lbs | Blame × Meghan’s Joy (A.P. Indy) |
| Awakened | Jack Fisher | Graham Watters | 152 lbs | Curlin × Daydreaming (A.P. Indy) |
| Jimmy P | Keri Brion | Stephen Mulqueen | 156 lbs | Slumber × My Love Venezuela |
| Historic Heart | Keri Brion | Danny Mullins | 150 lbs | Fracas × Irish Question |
| Kitten Around | Keri Brion | Freddie Procter | 142 lbs | Flintshire × Bail Out Kitten |
| Zarak the Brave | Thomas Garner | Evan Dwan | 158 lbs | Zarak × Tempo Royale |
| Who’s Counting | Sean McDermott | Sean McDermott | 150 lbs | Vancouver × Counter Measure |
| Howyabud | Cyril Murphy | Gerard Galligan | 150 lbs | Milan × Youngborogal |
Top Contenders to Watch
Proven Innocent
Trainer: Hall of Famer Jack Fisher
Recent Win: Grade I Beverly R. Steinman at Saratoga
Pedigree Highlights: Half-brother to On Leave and Ironicus
Style: Late closer with stamina and grit
Awakened
Trainer: Jack Fisher
Past Glory: Winner of the 2023 Jonathan Sheppard Handicap
Pedigree: Out of Daydreaming, half-brother to Imagining
Form: Improving off a third-place finish in the Steinman
Jimmy P
Trainer: Keri Brion
Claim to Fame: Dominant 34½-length win in the Jonathan Sheppard
Recent Form: Fourth in the Grade I Iroquois
Gear Change: Blinkers added for focus
Strategic Race Analysis
Pace Scenario: Expect Who’s Counting and Howyabud to set early fractions, with Proven Innocent and Awakened stalking mid-pack.
Weight Factor: Jimmy P carries top weight (156 lbs), which could impact late acceleration.
Course Familiarity: Proven Innocent and Awakened have proven success over Saratoga’s Mellon Turf Course.
International Intrigue: Zarak the Brave, formerly trained by Willie Mullins, adds European flair but must rebound from a fall in his U.S. debut.
Final Verdict & SEO Summary
The 2025 A. P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap is shaping up to be a tactical and thrilling Grade I steeplechase at Saratoga Race Course. With Proven Innocent and Awakened representing the powerhouse Jack Fisher barn, and Jimmy P looking to recapture his explosive form, bettors and fans alike should expect a dramatic finish over the jumps.
