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
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...