Flemington Cup a potential target for Stern Idol

A first-time run at Flemington was not initially on Stern Idol's agenda, but with his steeplechase rivals withdrawing, a change of plans could lead to a significant win for those involved.

The highly-rated steeplechaser is one of 21 hopefuls entered for the $150,000 Deane Lester Flemington Cup, scheduled for this Saturday.

This 2800-metre event is named in honour of the late form analyst and media personality, Gerry Ryan's racing advisor and Stern Idol's managing owner.

Stern Idol was slated to compete in the Mosstrooper Steeplechase on Sunday, but the race was scratched as he was the only entrant. Ciaron Maher's assistant trainer, Jack Turnbull, mentioned that the alternative was either a start at Flemington or a jumps trial at Coleraine two days later.

Turnbull remains in constant communication with Maher, who is overseas in the UK, and owner Gerry Ryan. Both are open to utilising the Deane Lester Flemington Cup as a final lead-up race to the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) at Sandown on August 2, which is anticipated to be Stern Idol's swansong.

"I had a chat with Ciaron over in London and it's something that we are considering," Turnbull commented on the prospect of racing at Flemington.

"I've spoken to Gerry and he's happy to do so.

"He needs a hitout. Whether or not that's Flemington or at the trials, he'll receive that."

With 18 victories from 42 starts, Stern Idol has raced 29 times in Australia, with only six of these domestic starts occurring on the flat.

His debut Australian outing was an eighth-place finish in a 2400m BM64 at Swan Hill's June carnival in 2022. This was the same position he achieved in the 2024 Listed Sandown Cup. His four other flat assignments have been in the 3000m BM70 at Sandown each March.

After claiming victory in that race in 2023, Stern Idol secured second place the following year, third in 2025, and fourth this year.

He recorded wins at Terang and Warrnambool, including the Brierly Steeplechase(3450m), before a third-place result in his most recent start, the Australian Steeplechase (3900m).

Turnbull conveyed the stable's disappointment that the nine-year-old gelding missed the chance to run in the Mosstrooper, but he is confident it won't detract from his Crisp Steeplechase aspirations.

"He doesn't need to jump, he doesn't need the practice," he stated.

"It's more about just having him go into the race as well as we can have him.

"I don't think the actual lack of the race will affect his prep, because he is fit."

Stern Idol is nominated for the Deane Lester Flemington Cup alongside stablemate Smokin' Romans. However, Turnbull indicated that the seasoned Group 1 winner is more likely to compete in the 2000m BM100 on the same program.

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