Moscato Made Most of Short Season to Win Eclipse

Steeplechase racing in the U.S. faced the same fate as flat racing in 2020 with COVID-19 protocols in various states causing the cancelations and shifting of important race days. Several of the big races were run, however, and Moscato emerged a winner of two of three starts and earned the Eclipse Award.

The striking gray has already earned the Lonesome Glory award from the National Steeplechase Association for raking in the most purse money, $100,000.

Moscato made his seasonal bow June 13 in the Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Handicap (NSA-3) at Middleburg in Virginia. One of the top races of the year, it must be noted it was the only graded hurdle race run outside of New York on the year. Far back early, rider Michael Mitchell guided Moscato to a resounding 11-length score, getting the demanding 2 1/2 miles in 5:18.20 over good going.

Early in the Saratoga stand the 9-year-old gelding by Hernando rallied from fourth to land a determined win over Optimus Prime in the A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase Stakes (NSA-1) for trainer Jack Fisher.

Moscato returned for the prestigious New York Turf Writers Handicap (NSA-1) at the Spa in August but finished third behind stablemate and fellow Eclipse Award finalist Snap Decision.

Both runners race for the Bruton Street-US team of Mike Hankin, Charlie Fenwick, and Charlie Noell. The team, along with Fisher, campaigned 2017 champion steeplechaser Scorpiancer.