Bobbin pair ready for Stern test in the Brierly Steeplechase
Andrew Bobbin is aware of the shadow Stern Idol casts over Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase field, but that has not deterred him from tackling the first feature of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival with two runners.
The Pomonal horseman will start Bell Ex One and Mighty Oasis in the $175,000 event
The 3450-metre event is the toughest test to date for Mighty Oasis and a stepping stone for Bell Ex One, but Bobbin is happy with his pair.
“Although it is a long jumps season, this is the carnival that we focus on,” he said.
“Bell Ex One is absolutely jumping out of his skin and Mighty Oasis is a Warrnambool specialist.
“I couldn’t be happier with them heading there.”
The Brierly will be the first jumps start of the year for Bell Ex One, who was well backed when markets first opened on Friday.
Bobbin is hopeful it will prove a springboard to week’s signature race, Thursday’s Grand Annual Steeplechase.
“He’s had a steeple trial and two flat runs, he’s still got a whole season ahead of him, but I’ve got an excellent base of fitness into him.
“He’s done a lot of work in the heavy sand at home and he’s weighted fairly well in the Brierly.
“He’s got a little bit of class factor, so hopefully he can get through that and be all guns blazing in the Annual.”
Bell Ex One is second favourite for the Brierly with Mighty Oasis on the $13 fifth line behind $1.75 betting site favourite Stern Idol and Bobbin knows this is a step up but he is also aware of his likin for the track.
He has had five starts at Warrnambool for two wins and two minor placings.
“He’s up against the big boys on Tuesday in the Bierley but he always runs a good races at Warrnambool, so he’ll be fighting very hard.”
The Brierly pair are among three runners for Bobbin on Day 1 – he also has Extra Elusive in the maiden hurdle that kicks off the card – but his best chance of a winner for the week could come on Wednesday.
Bobbin is excited about the prospects of Duke Of Bedford’s prospects in the benchmark 120 steeplechase.
“He should be extremely hard to beat,” Bobbin said.
“He’s probably my standout of the first couple of days.”
More Racing News
Cosmic Crusader set for Victorian debut in Bletchingly Stakes
Trainer Andrea Leek is yet to pinpoint the exact spring campaign for Cosmic Crusader, but she is anticipating his racecourse return this Saturday.The Group 1-winning Western Australian gelding is scheduled to make his Victorian racing debut in the $200,000 Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes, a 1200m contest at Caulfield.This five-year-old entire,...
Randwick trials see Waller's stars return
A significant contingent of Chris Waller's established racehorses, prominently featuring the acclaimed mare Autumn Glow, commenced their spring preparations at Randwick on Monday morning.The initial three trials, all conducted over 900 metres on the Kensington track following a postponement from Friday due to wet conditions, showcased numerous Group 1 winners...
Concord Connie eyes Victorian Group 1 success
Charlotte Littlefield, the Pakenham-based trainer, is opting against chasing substantial prize money in interstate races with Concord Connie, focusing instead on securing a Group 1 win within Victoria.The exciting mare, Concord Connie, has undergone four weeks of preparation and is being readied for her return, with the Group 1 Empire...
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...