Bell Ex One lands the Australian Steeplechase
Bell Ex One has produced another heart-stopper for connections, this time claiming a narrow victory in the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown.
The Andrew Bobbin-trained jumper was set for a comfortable victory in Sunday’s 3900m steeplechase, until the Henry Dwyer-trained Riding High rallied in the straight to go down narrowly.
Bell Ex One was out bobbed in Australia’s most gruelling race, the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool last month but freshened up nicely to win on Sunday.
Sent out the $2.30 betting app favourite under Will Gordon, Bell Ex One scored a half-head win over Riding High ($5.50) with Crosshill ($7) a further six lengths away third.
“Happy, relieved,” Bobbin said post-race.
“It was hard watching that. He was there for all money, but he didn’t want to put the head down at the right time once again, but luckily his class shone through.
“Henry’s horse was very brave in front, but Will Gordon did an excellent job.”
Bobbin said he was not concerned at having Bell Ex One drop back in distance from the 5500m of the Grand Annual to 3900m on Sunday.
He said the gelding has plenty more racing ahead of him this season.
“Our first jumps run of the season was the Annual,” Bobbin said.
“I was happy that we ran so well in that, and he was in the paddock two days afterwards.
“He was bucking and squealing like a two-year-old, so I wasn’t really concerned about him getting through the run.
“He’s only six years old, so if we keep him sound, he’s got a good future.”
Gordon said Bell Ex One was his own worst enemy, striking the front and then waiting for the opposition to catch up.
He said Bell Ex One doesn’t do anything by big margins and luckily, he was able to put his head in front at the right time.
“The hardest part of my race today was going to be timing my run, but I think I timed it just right and he got the result” Gordon said.
“He’s as tough as nails to run in the races that he runs in, but if he was a person he’d be slouched over a bar most of the time with a group of people around him, not being on his own.
“He just waits for other horses to come around him, but he’s got the job done and has lots of ability.”
More Racing News
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,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...