SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--Mr. Percy (Ire) held of Cyber Ninja to win the $75,000, 2 3/8 miles Jonathan Kiser Memorial Novice stakes on Thursday, July 16, at Saratoga.

Mr. Percy, left, rallies past Cyber Ninja to win Jonathan Kiser (Photo by Tod Marks_Owned by Shannon Hill Farm, trained by Neil Morris and ridden by Graham Watters, Mr. Percy won by 1/2 length over Cyber Ninja, trained by Jack Fisher, with Lynches Knock (Ire), trained by Ricky Hendriks, another 6 1/4 lengths back in third.

Mr. Percy ran mid pack in the eight horse field while Doctor Love, trained by Tom Garner, opened a huge lead of up to 20 lengths at times.

Moved to the outside, Mr. Percy caught Doctor Love in the stretch as the latter began to tire and ralled past Cyber Ninja to win.

Doctor Love held on for fourth.

"He's a lovely horse," said Morris. "He came over here after Joseph O'Brien recommended him. He does nothing wrong."

The 6-year-old Mr. Percy has run  four times, once a month, since being imported.

 

IN HIS first race in this country, he ran third behind Cyber Ninja and Rocket One in the Daniel Van Clief Memorial Stakes at Foxfield, on April 25, then was second to Rocket One at Iroquois and fourth in an allowance at Colonial Downs two and a half weeks ago.

"Graham gave him a great ride" said Morris. "He gave him a little rest in the middle of the race. I have to admit I was a little concerned when I saw that."

Mr.Percy ran 14 times in Ireland before being imported, finishing with four wins and four seconds.