Stern Idol to chase Brierly Steeplechase record again at Warrnambool
Stern Idol seeks to enhance his Brierly Steeplechase benchmark when he takes on Tuesday's $150,000 highlight, the top billing on day one of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the imported nine-year-old carries 75kg over 3450 metres.
He stripped the metric carrying record from Some Are Bent, who succeeded with 71kg in 2010, by scoring under 73kg two years prior, the heaviest since Deckard's 11 stone 12 ounces – or 75.5kg – winning effort in 1939.
This represents Stern Idol's career-high weight, exceeding by 1kg what he bore to fourth place in the previous Grand National Steeplechase, with Maher aware of the difficulty yet trusting in his runner's prowess.
Off a 25-length rout carrying under 72kg in the 3850m Spencer Memorial Steeplechase at Terang on April 19, Stern Idol enters in sharp form.
"I suppose it can stop him, he's got 10 kilos on most on the field, but he's big though," he said.
"With the weight, it'll be a test.
"He was a good win the other day, he's come through it well and he seems to get around there pretty well."
Priced at $2.10 for Brierly Steeplechase success, Stern Idol gives Leaderboard 6kg while stablemate The Mighty Spar (67.5kg), from Mark Walker's team, is the only other above 65kg.
On the minimum 65kg weight are $3.20 next pick Hit The Road Jack and Instigator, runner-up by a long neck to Stern Idol in last year's 2024 edition.
During the Warrnambool Carnival, Stern Idol sticks to the Brierly Steeplechase alone, but Leaderboard, The Mighty Spar, Castrofrancaru, Hit The Road Jack and Instigator may reappear Thursday for the $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase that nominated 11 on Monday.
Duke Of Bedford headlines the 5500m showpiece, bidding for successive triumphs.
Thursday's $300,000 Warrnambool Cup over 2350m Listed distance is led by Group 2 Chairman's Quality (2600m) conqueror Newlook.
Visit the online bookmakers to find betting markets for the race featuring Stern Idol in the Brierly Steeplechase.
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