Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook's Scarlett. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The CCI3* at Jersey Fresh this year is well populated, being the first Olympic qualifier of 2016 that is not a four-star. The usual suspects (Buck, Boyd and Phillip) all have multiple entries, the Canadians have entered en masse, and the West Coast crew continues to make this a destination event.
There are quite a few Olympic possibilities entered in the field, most with their Olympic qualification already under their belt but seeking a strong spring CCI run to catch the eyes of the selectors for their respective countries. They’ll be competing with a large contingent of first-timers, who are more likely interested in just having a good run and obtaining a qualifier.
The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. John Williams is designing the cross country course, as he has done at Jersey Fresh for many years, while Sally Ike offers her services as the show jumping course designer.
TOP FIVE
1. Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett: Despite getting two extremely strong CCI3* runs under her belt in 2015, including finishing second in this event, Lauren opted to bypass Rolex with this 9-year old mare, giving her another year at the CCI3* level to mature. Meadowbrook’s Scarlett would stamp herself as a strong Olympic reserve possibility for Veronica if she equals or betters her result from last year.
Meadowbrook’s Scarlett averages a 48.9 on this particular test, which is a few points higher than her overall average. She ran double clear over this John Williams course last spring and usually runs under or very close to the time. She did have a rail over Sally Ike’s course last May, and has had a single rail in both of her CCI3* starts thus far, but has yet to touch the colored sticks this spring. Even having a single rail would put this pair up into the lead, with a score in the low 50s.
Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Jenni Autry.
2. Will Faudree and Pfun: Pfun’s first Advanced season last autumn was cut short after Will’s neck injury, but they’ve quickly proven their consistency upon his return this spring, improving their placing each time out and culminating in a win at the Fair Hill CIC3* recently. A strong finish (and obtaining an Olympic qualifier) would put them in the running for Rio.
Pfun favors this test, averaging nearly two points better than typical with a 51.7 when performing it. Right now this horse averages 7.6 time penalties across the country, although this will be his first John Williams course. Similarly, he has yet to attempt a Sally Ike course but leans towards a double clear show jumping average. A final score in the high 50s will secure second place for this pair.
3. Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill: A relatively new partnership, these two have already entered the Olympic conversation due to their separate past resumes. However, this horse has historically struggled with the show jumping phase, particularly at CCI competitions, which will make their performance this weekend extremely important.
In their short relationship together, Phillip and Indian Mill have established strong communication in the first phase, averaging a 45.7 in their two attempts at this test so far. This will be this horse’s first look at both course designers for the weekend, but Phillip has averaged only 10.4 time penalties and one rail thus far with Indian Mill. Similar performances will put them in third, with a score just over 60.
Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman. Photo by Jenni Autry.
4. Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman: This is the fourth horse that Phillip has already qualified for the Olympic Games, with a top five finish at Galway Downs CCI3* last fall. Phillip brought this horse out for more experience at the three-star level this spring, and a top finish will put him in consideration as a possible back-up for Phillip’s more likely team candidates.
Mr. Candyman averages a 48.9 on this test, which should be right up near the leaders after the first phase. Another who will be seeing both John Williams and Sally Ike designs for the first time, this horse nevertheless averages only 6.8 time penalties across the country. He does trend towards having one rail down and one time penalty in the stadium round, which should put him in fourth around half a point behind his stablemate.
5. Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration: Holly and More Inspiration were all set to contest their first four-star last month, but chose to re-route instead to Jersey Fresh, where they will likely be rewarded with better weather than in Kentucky. Contenders for Canadian Olympic team consideration, this pair will be out to prove they deserve a plane ticket to Rio.
More Inspiration averages a 52.2 on this test, which is more than three points better than their overall average. A swift run matching last year’s go over the John Williams Jersey Fresh course with only one second over time would move them well up the ranks after the second phase. This pair did accumulate two rails and a time penalty over Sally’s course at this event last year, but even matching that effort wouold give this pair a spot inside the top five with a score less than a point behind Mr. Candyman.
Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
THE DARK HORSE
Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless: This horse was included in the 2014 U.S. World Equestrian Games team thanks to his consistent ability to score in the high 40s, jump a one-or-none show jumping round, and quick turn of foot with strong rounds across the country.
Unfortunately, Fernhill Fearless has not quite returned to form since Normandy, acquiring a stop in five of their seven runs since then including retiring recently at Rolex after a stop at the coffin complex. If Kim can help “Sparky” find his game face again, they should have no problem snagging a spot in the top five.
Jennie Brannigan and Catalina. Photo by Jenni Autry.
THE SPOILER
Jennie Brannigan and Catalina: Catalina busted onto the spring scene this year with an emphatic second place in a strong field at the Red Hills CIC3*, but then picked up her first cross-country blip at the level at The Fork. As a result, Jennie chose to forego Rolex with this talented mare to give her more experience. They’ve shown the ability to score in the mid-40s and almost always show jump clear. A strong effort in all three phases could put these two at or near the top by Sunday.
Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.
THE SLEEPER
Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow: One of Boyd’s most solid up-and-comers, Welcome Shadow has already obtained an Olympic qualification at Fair Hill last fall and could come up in the conversation with a good finish at Jersey Fresh. Right now, this mare’s dressage has quite a spread from 46 to 55, but that will likely tighten down to solid 40s by this time next year.
She has very consistently been a one-or-none horse in the stadium when it comes to rails, plus shown she can get close to the optimum time on cross country by being only five seconds over at her first CCI. While she might not end up with a top five finish this weekend, she’s definitely a horse to watch for the future.
Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Sofie Van Olmen.
CIC3* DIVISION
Number of entries: 24
Pairs to watch:
- Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF
- Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection
- Caroline Martin and Effervescent
- Jessica Phoenix and Abbey GS
- Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir
- Sharon White and Cooley On Show
