Eight Entered for Breeders' Cup Steeplechase

A field of eight is set for Saturday's $250,000 Breeders' Cup Steeplechase (NSA-I) at Far Hill Race Course in New Jersey.

Noticeably absent from the field is It's a Giggle, who was not entered by trainer Jonathan Sheppard who cited possible wet weather conditions and a soft ground as a reason to keep the expected favorite out of the race.

Entered, however, is Quel Senor, Breeders' Cup Steeplechase defending champion, and All Gong, winner of the 2000 edition.

Despite having the past two years defending champions, the expected favorite in the 17-hurdle race is Australian import Zabenz, who is trained by Robert Smerdon. Zabenz enters the race off a victory in the Aug. 29 New York Turf Writers Steeplechase Handicap (NSA-I) at Saratoga.

Although there is no wagering on this event, Zabenz has been listed as the 2-1 favorite, with Quel Senor at 3-1 and All Gong at 4-1.

The field for the $250,000 Breeders' Cup Steeplechase (NSA-I) includes:
1 -- Double Leaf (Jonathan Sheppard, Timber Bay Farms)
2 -- All Gong (Bruce Miller, Calvin Houghland)
3 -- Tres Touche (Richard Hendricks, Contrarian Stables)
4 -- Zabenez (Robert Smerdon, Michael Watt)
5 -- Pelagos
6 -- Flat Top (Janet Elliott, Mrs. Henry A. Gerry)
7 -- Quel Senor (Tom Voss, Coppertree Farms)
8 -- Turkish Corner (Bruce Miller, Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords)