Symon Wilde out to add to Grand Annual Steeplechase tally

Only four trainers have taken home Australia’s premier jumping crown, the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m), in the past 15 years—and this year, only one of them has runners.

Ciaron Maher holds a remarkable seven wins, with Patrick Payne and Symon Wilde next in line. John Wheeler added his 2013 victory to a resume dating back to the 1990s. Wilde is the only one of the quartet with confirmed entries for 2024, fielding Freddy The Eagle, Bazini, and defending champ Count Zero.

Freddy The Eagle was runner-up in the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on Tuesday, while Bazini came down after a collision with a fallen rival. Despite that, Wilde expects both to line up on Thursday.

“We had always planned to go with Bazini but Freedy The Eagle has pulled up better than we expected and he ran quite well,” Wilde said. “It’s hard to pass up the opportunity.”

“He’s down in the weights, and it’s on his doorstep. He could be carrying more weight next year, so this might be the time to roll the dice.”

“We’ve got a fit, sound horse that has pulled up well and you have to give it consideration.”

Wilde said Bazini came through unscathed: “He followed the field around and he seems pretty good.”

Count Zero, a previous Jericho Cup and Grand Annual winner, has had only three runs since but impressed in a recent trial.

“His last trial here was great,” Wilde said. “He knows this course inside out, and while he’s older and has weight to carry, the track will suit.”

“Dry tracks are rare for jumpers, but they bring out his best. He loves the staying tests.”