Jarrod McLean will dodge Black And Bent with Cats Fun who will have his first start over the big fences at Warrnambool in the Brierly Steeplechase on May 1 and might back up in the Grand Annual two days later.
The 2008 Group Two Perth Cup winner was a five-length second to Black And Bent who made it eight straight hurdle wins over 3300m at Sandown on Wednesday.
While Black And Bent will try for a second win in the Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) on May 2, Cats Fun will contest a steeple trial over 2800m on Friday ahead of the Brierly (3450m).
“We won’t be taking Black And Bent on, we will be going `chasing,” McLean said.
“We’ll go to the Brierly and possibly the Grand Annual.
“I’m happy with the horse, he went over four (steeplechase fences) on Tuesday and he’ll qualify on Friday at Warrnambool so fingers crossed.”
Cats Fun has had nine hurdle starts for three wins, at Warrnambool (twice) and Sandown.
His only unplaced effort was a well-beaten fourth to Black And Bent in last year’s Grand National Hurdle (3800m) at Sandown.
There will be three steeple trials and four hurdle trials conducted at Warrnambool on Friday.
Horses nominated include dual Grand Annual winner Al Garhood, Awakening Dream, Brierly winner Vindicating, Pentacolo, Fareer, Iguazu and Kerdem.
