Andrew Bobbin is aware of the shadow Stern Idol casts over Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase field, but that has not deterred him from tackling the first feature of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival with two runners.
The Pomonal horseman will start Bell Ex One and Mighty Oasis in the $175,000 event
The 3450-metre event is the toughest test to date for Mighty Oasis and a stepping stone for Bell Ex One, but Bobbin is happy with his pair.
“Although it is a long jumps season, this is the carnival that we focus on,” he said.
“Bell Ex One is absolutely jumping out of his skin and Mighty Oasis is a Warrnambool specialist.
“I couldn’t be happier with them heading there.”
The Brierly will be the first jumps start of the year for Bell Ex One, who was well backed when markets first opened on Friday.
Bobbin is hopeful it will prove a springboard to week’s signature race, Thursday’s Grand Annual Steeplechase.
“He’s had a steeple trial and two flat runs, he’s still got a whole season ahead of him, but I’ve got an excellent base of fitness into him.
“He’s done a lot of work in the heavy sand at home and he’s weighted fairly well in the Brierly.
“He’s got a little bit of class factor, so hopefully he can get through that and be all guns blazing in the Annual.”
Bell Ex One is second favourite for the Brierly with Mighty Oasis on the $13 fifth line behind $1.75 betting site favourite Stern Idol and Bobbin knows this is a step up but he is also aware of his likin for the track.
He has had five starts at Warrnambool for two wins and two minor placings.
“He’s up against the big boys on Tuesday in the Bierley but he always runs a good races at Warrnambool, so he’ll be fighting very hard.”
The Brierly pair are among three runners for Bobbin on Day 1 – he also has Extra Elusive in the maiden hurdle that kicks off the card – but his best chance of a winner for the week could come on Wednesday.
Bobbin is excited about the prospects of Duke Of Bedford’s prospects in the benchmark 120 steeplechase.
“He should be extremely hard to beat,” Bobbin said.
“He’s probably my standout of the first couple of days.”
