In the past 15 years, only four stables have prepared the winner of Australia’s toughest race, the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool.
Ciaron Maher, who also teamed with David Eustace on three occasions, has seven wins to his credit since 2010 with Patrick Payne leading in four winners.
New Zealander John Wheeler registered a winner in 2013 to add to previous victories during the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
The only other trainer since 2010 to prepare a winner has been Symon Wilde with three and who is looking to go back-to-back after being victorious with Count Zero last year.
Wilde is the only one of the four to have a contender this year with Freddy The Eagle and Bazini expected to join Count Zero.
Freddy The Eagle finished second in the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on Tuesday while Bazini lost his rider when he cannoned into the fallen Leaderboard in that race.
Wilde said on Wednesday it was the intention to start both jumpers.
“We had always planned to go with Bazini but Freedy The Eagle has pulled up better than we expected and he ran quite well,” Wilde said.
“He needed to run well for us to think about it. He looks like he has come through it well and the owners are leading towards running if he’s OK.
“It’s a bit of an ask for an inexperience horse, but the Brierly is usually pretty good form.
“He ran well, he’s down in the weights, so it’s hard to pass up, the money is good and it’s on his doorstep as well and next year he could be two or three kilos higher in the weights.
“We’ve got a fit, sound horse that has pulled up well and you have to give it consideration.”
Wilde said Bazini seemed fine after his incident on Tuesday.
“He followed the field around and he seems pretty good,” Wilde said.
Count Zero, who also has a Jericho Cup victory on the flat to his name over the Grand Annual course, has only had three starts since last year’s success.
Wilde said Count Zero had schooled in well following two runs on the flat.
“His last trial here was great,” Wilde said.
“He’s good around the course. He’s an older horse now and he has a bit of weight, but Berry The Cash has supressed the weights nicely for him,” Wilde said.
“I think he comes into well and the track is going to be in his favour. He’s a dry tracker which is hard having a jumping horse, but he’s going to get the right conditions.
“To win a Jericho and to win an Annual is pretty special. He just loves these marathon distances.”
