Trainer Andrew Bobbin will leave a decision to as late as possible before committing to a start with Duke Of Bedford in the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.
On top of the $192,000 first prize on offer if successful in Thursday’s Grand Annual over 5500m, a $50,000 bonus is also up for grabs for connections of Duke Of Bedford after his victory in the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on the opening day of the Warrnambool Carnival.
Under a well-judged on-pace ride from William McCarthy, Duke Of Bedford ($4.40) scored a four-length win from Freddy The Eagle ($7.50) with Instigator ($11) rattling home for third.
Despite his on-pace victory, Bobbin is not convinced Duke Of Bobbin is suited to the hills and open paddocks of Warrnambool and is better placed on the flatter tracks at Sandown and Ballarat.
“I love setting goals with races and working backwards and hitting the target, and this was one today,” Bobbin told racing.com.
“I had always thought that he would be better on the flat tracks of the Australian Steeple and the Grand National at the end of the year.
“But we’ll see how the field holds up and at 7.28 am on Thursday morning I will still probably be scratching my head, and I might even toss a coin to see whether I run him or not.”
Bobbin said he held concerns as the field raced up the hill with Duke Of Bedford in the lead.
But at every jump, Duke Of Bedford was able to gain an advantage due to his jumping prowess which Bobbin said was evident late in the race.
“I was worried there he was doing a little bit too much when they’re leading and going up the hill,” Bobbin said.
“He just jumps so well and with two to jump, the pressure was on, and he was up for the fight.
“I’ve said all along that he is a chaser in the making, and he has proved himself today.”
Victory on Duke Of Bedford gave McCarthy back-to-back wins in the Brierly Steeplechase after guiding Stern Idol to victory last year.
It was also the second leg of a winning Tuesday double for the Irish jockey who was having his first race rides over jumps since last June after injuring a shoulder in a fall.
“I had a lot of time to think while I was out injured and when you’re down and out like that, it’s a time to reflect on what you’re doing,” McCarthy said.
“Pretty soon into my recovery I knew I wanted to come back and have a crack. I didn’t want to retire with an injury and what a day to come back.
“It’s amazing.”
The $3.30 favourite Leaderboard fell at the first of the Tozer Road double, where Bazini was interfered with, losing rider Martin Kelly.
Will Gordon, who rode Leaderboard, suffered a small laceration on his nose while Kelly was given the all-clear by medical personal.
Leaderboard was reported to be lame by Racing Victoria stewards after a veterinary inspection and has been scratched from Thursday’s Grand Annual Steeplechase.
