Region’s Best

FIRST STAR: SNAP DECISION. On Saturday, Far Hills played host to the country’s premier steeplechase race, the grade 1 American Grand National over 2 5/8 miles. Snap Decision, making his fourth appearance in the race, picked up his first Grand National title. He made a move up the inside late and won by a neck over slight 2-1 favorite Galvin. Snap Decision, sent off as the 5-2 second choice, covered the distance in 5:02.86, for his 18th career victory in 34 starts. He’s 3-for-4 on the year, putting himself in position to win his first Eclipse title as champion steeplechaser. He’s owned by Brutton Street-US, trained by Jack Fisher, and ridden by Graham Watters.

SECOND STAR: CONCEALED CARRY. A field of nine went postward in the M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile on Saturday at Parx. Concealed Carry, looking for a rebound after defeats in his last two stakes tries, broke through to win by a neck. He broke on top from the rail and set honest fractions under Dexter Haddock, and had enough left late to hold on and win over a trio of strong-closing rivals. The top four finishers were covered by a half-length in the end. Concealed Carry ran a mile in 1:39.72, for his second win of the year and his fifth victory in 24 starts. He’s owned by Bran Jam Stable and David Clark and trained by Louis Linder Jr.

THIRD STAR: THE GREY WIZARD. The final race on the Far Hills card was the John Forbes Memorial Stakes, going two miles on the flat. The Grey Wizard, a two-time stakes winner on the year going into the race, added another notch to his belt with a half-length victory, wearing down longtime leader Curbstone for the win. He’s now 3-for-6 on the year and 6-for-18 lifetime, with career earnings of $832,531. Parker Hendriks was up for owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and the Estate of Albert Frassetto and trainer Graham Motion.

Laurel Park

FIRST STAR: EXCELLORATOR. Rallied late to win a third-level contest going a one-turn mile on Friday; he’s getting better and better since returning from a year-plus layoff.

SECOND STAR: SWIFTSURE. Sat the trip and converted to win a third-level grass route in an 11-1 upset earlier on the Friday card.

THIRD STAR: PAPER MANSION. Led every step in a second-level grass route on Saturday; she’s now 8-for-10 on the year.

Delaware Park

FIRST STAR: SPIKEZONE. Prevailed as the heavy chalk in a stater optional claiming sprint on Thursday, for his fourth win of the meet and his ninth of 2024.

SECOND STAR: FRANCISCO MARTINEZ. Ended his Delaware season with a bang with four victories on Thursday, three of them on Jamie Ness-trained runners.

THIRD STAR: THE JUDGE AND JURY. Sat the trip to win a starter allowance sprint on Thursday, for his third win of the year, but his first since April.

Charles Town Races

FIRST STAR: PAYMENGOLD. Led for every step to beat open allowance challengers on Thursday in a 27-1 upset.

SECOND STAR: CARIBBEAN PLEASURE. Got pressed on the pace and held on to win a first-level dash on Friday.

THIRD STAR: FLOWER MOUND. Cruised to victory in a first-level contest on Saturday as the odds-on choice.

Far Hills

FIRST STAR: SNAP DECISION. Finally captured the ultimate prize in steeplechase racing, and looks primed to be well-rewarded for it.

SECOND STAR: THE GREY WIZARD. He’s quietly built a strong 2024 resume in long-distance races.

THIRD STAR: GOING COUNTRY. Won the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stakes in impressive style.

Parx Racing

FIRST STAR: CONCEALED CARRY. A well-timed ride from Haddock proved the key to victory.

SECOND STAR: VEESON. Surged up the rail to take an open allowance sprint on Saturday.

THIRD STAR: IRISH MAXIMA. Weather Vane Stakes champion improved to 3-for-3 on the year with an open allowance victory on the Saturday card.