---
title: "Fil Dor Saratoga Debut Sets Up Inaugural Grade 1 Leo O’Brien Test"
canonical: "https://readhorseracing.com/2026/07/05/fil-dor-saratoga-debut-leo-obrien/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "News"
published: "2026-07-05T12:44:55Z"
modified: "2026-07-05T18:32:01Z"
---

# Fil Dor Saratoga Debut Sets Up Inaugural Grade 1 Leo O’Brien Test

**Fil Dor will carry top weight in Sunday’s inaugural Grade 1 Leo O’Brien Handicap Hurdle at Saratoga, giving Ricky Hendriks a live hand in the new $150,000 feature.** The Del Rio Racing runner is set for his Saratoga debut over 2 3/8 miles, with Jake Coen booked for the ride.

The eight-year-old son of Doctor Dino has been allotted 158lb after a 2025 campaign that included a Grade 1 Colonial Cup win at Camden and a fourth in the Iroquois at Percy Warner on May 9. Hendriks also runs Lynches Knock, who has Conor Tierney aboard from 142lb.

## Saratoga Grade 1 Field Takes Shape

The race honours Leo O’Brien, the former steeplechase jockey and trainer of New York-bred stars Fourstardave, Fourstars Allstar and Irish Linnet, who died in January aged 85. Its arrival also gives Saratoga’s summer jumping programme an immediate Grade 1 focal point on opening weekend.

Rocket One, last seen finishing second in the Grade 1 Beverly Steinman, adds depth for Jack Fisher, while Arch Kingsley Jr sends Grade 1 winner Merry Maker and Grade 1-placed Sweet Will. McTigue, Take Your Seats and St James the Great complete the line-up.

The Leo O’Brien opens Sunday’s nine-race Saratoga card, which also includes the Grade 3 Kelso and Listed Harvey Pack, according to [NYRA’s official race advance](https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/news/fil-dor-makes-saratoga-debut-in-g1-leo-obrien/).