Stern Idol up for a Grand National Steeplechase challenge
Brilliant fencer Stern Idol will take his place in Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase after pleasing his trainers, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, since his stunning Crisp Steeplechase victory.
The hulking import obliterated his rivals by 25 lengths in that 4200-metre at Sandown on August 6 and has shown no ill-effects since.
The 4500m Grand National presents a new challenge, being the furthest race he will have contested since being pulled up in the 5500m Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool on May 4, but Eustace has no concerns with the extra 300m.
“He’s pulled up well and everything’s gone to plan,” Eustace said when confirming he would take his place.
“The trip will be fine, it won’t be a problem, and we don’t expect there to be an issue with that.”
Stern Idol, a seven-year-old son of Raven’s Pass, has won five of his seven starts over jumps in Australia with his only other defeat coming when second to Bell Ex One in last year’s JJ Houlahan Hurdle.
The 3250m JJ Houlahan Hurdle is the key support race on Sunday’s all-jumps program at Ballarat.
More Racing News
Savitri set for stakes progression says Freedman
Mitch Freedman, the Ballarat trainer, anticipates that filly Savitri will progress to Stakes grade in due course, but he's adopting a steady development plan with her currently.Interstate three-year-old Stakes events loom ahead, prompting Freedman to contemplate journeys away with Savitri post her dominant win in Wednesday's Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1500m)...
Peter Moody eyes Alpha Sofie recovery in Caulfield feature
Trainer Peter Moody holds strong belief that Alpha Sofie can regain her spark heading into her Stakes assignment at Caulfield.The $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on February 28 saw Alpha Sofie ruin her flawless slate for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman with a lacklustre display.Moody, after a complete...
Three-week gap perfect for Sir Delius ahead of Ranvet Stakes
Aeliana and Sir Delius are set to clash head-to-head in the Ranvet Stakes, as trainer Adrian Bott counts on the three-week interval since his last run to sharpen him up.Even with the previous ATC Australian Derby champion heavily backed for the 2000m Saturday feature, Sir Delius lingers as the distinct...
Autumn Glow could dominate Ryder Stakes says rival Charlton
In the event Autumn Glow shows up at Rosehill fully tuned, trainer Tom Charlton from the opposition admits the George Ryder Stakes is likely reduced to vying for supporting spots.That said, he doubts it would play out identically in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) should the high-class mare pivot there after...
Tough gate awaits Generosity in The Galaxy sprint
The barrier draw success Chris Waller enjoyed for the Golden Slipper fails to repeat in Group 1 The Galaxy, leaving his lone representative Generosity to launch from the widest stall.Catch The Glory, the first emergency, is the only one positioned further out, meaning Generosity takes the extreme outside draw of...
Price outlines Charm Stone plan for William Reid Stakes
No need to cue Mick Price on the assignment ahead for Charm Stone in her opening run back at Caulfield.Co-trainer Price feels a touch uneasy with Jimmysstar and Angel Capital entered in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), but highlights her flawless training regimen for the Saturday assignment.The mare...
Bjorn Baker warming to Golden Slipper plan with fit colt Warwoven
Plan A never involved dispatching Warwoven to the Golden Slipper off a mere seven days' rest, but Sydney's predicted wet weather is making trainer Bjorn Baker more receptive to the idea.In recent times, two runners have captured the prize after a fast return, namely Kiamichi in 2019 along with Shinzo...
Star colt Observer ready for Rosehill Guineas bow
Victorian gallopers often falter when facing Sydney's unique racing demands across the Murray, but Ciaron Maher expects his top colt Observer to thrive there.This dual Group 1 champion heads into his Sydney first-up run during Saturday's $1 million Rosehill Guineas (2000m).The Ghaiyyath gelding travelled northward shortly following his Australian Guineas...
Strong Caulfield hitout positions Pride Of Jenni for Australian Cup challenge
Trainer Ciaron Maher moved a select bunch of his string from Cranbourne to Caulfield for trackwork early Tuesday.Evergreen mare Pride Of Jenni formed part of that group, ramping up for her engagement a fortnight from now on Saturday.Maher pointed to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) over 2000m at Flemington...
Angel Capital ride goes to Jye McNeil for William Reid Stakes
The top job on Angel Capital in Caulfield's last Group 1 of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival has gone to Jye McNeil.On Tuesday morning, McNeil visited Caulfield to breeze Angel Capital in preparation for Saturday's William Reid Stakes (1200m).Due to ongoing track works at Moonee Valley, Caulfield steps in to stage...