Stern Idol brilliant in 2025 Crisp Steeplechase win
Stern Idol strengthened his credentials for another shot at the Grand National Steeplechase with an effortless display in Sunday’s Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) at Sandown.
The Ciaron Maher-trained star made all the running to post his third straight win in the race, with jockey Steven Pateman hailing it as the gelding’s best ever performance.
Stern Idol, a hot odds-on favourite, cruised to a 15-length victory over Not Usual Dream, with Field Of Lights finishing third.
He carried 71kg, having previously won the Crisp Steeplechase with 69kg and 70kg before heading to the Grand National Steeplechase, where he retired under top weights.
This year’s Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) has been moved forward and will take place on August 17.
“Everyone is going to ask about Ballarat, but he’s had a great prep, so I’ll leave that up to the team,” Pateman said.
“Today was actually another gallop.
“It’s crazy to say, but he felt the best he ever has today, and he looked amazing, so a shout out to the Ballarat crew.
“They just had him on today and he absolutely galloped.”
Pateman let Stern Idol roll along early before upping the tempo, with the gelding establishing a commanding break approaching the hill.
“Half-way up the hill I couldn’t hear the horses behind me,” Pateman said.
“Usually when you’re in front you can hear the horses jumping the fences, but I didn’t want to look around, but after that I had about 10 looks around.
“It’s a funny feeling riding him as you get a feeling, you’re the only one who can muck it up.
“At the second-last, I was looking down and not at the fence because I didn’t want to start organising him, I looked up and he wings it.
“Coming to the last, because we’re as good as home, I look up, he jumps it fine, safely and smart.”
Trainer Ciaron Maher, who had just flown back from the UK after attending Goodwood’s Group 1 Sussex Stakes, was not on course to witness the win.
“He didn’t have much to say about today when I spoke to him, that’s because we’re lucky to have such a brilliant horse,” Pateman said.
If you’re looking to bet on this year’s Grand National Steeplechase, visit Australia’s top betting sites for the latest odds and offers.
More Racing News
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...
Wise Inlaw Triumphs in Creswick Stakes with Cartwright Up
Luke Cartwright achieved a career highlight aboard Wise Inlaw in Saturday's $175,000 A R Creswick Stakes at Flemington over 1200 metres.The leading metropolitan apprentice in Victoria notched his first Stakes race victory guiding the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding to the winner's circle in the Listed event.This occasion represented...
Thebudgiesmugla primed for spring carnival after Caloundra Cup win
Trainer Bjorn Baker has indicated that Thebudgiesmugla will likely bypass the upcoming Grafton Cup, with his sights set firmly on the spring carnival, specifically targeting a Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double.This impressive run comes from a five-year-old gelding who initially arrived from New Zealand with questions surrounding his suitability,...