Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde has added another Australian Steeplechase trophy to expanding cabinet with Tolemac scoring an impressive win at Sandown.
Sunday’s victory in the 3900m contest was Wilde’s fourth in the premier jumps race and followed up the victory of Britannicus 12 months earlier.
Sent out the $2.90 betr favourite under Will Gordon, Tolemac raced to a 12-length victory from Riding High ($10) with Bee Tee Junior ($31) a further 1-½ lengths away third.
Wilde said the track, rated a Soft 7, looked heavier than the posted rating which aided Tolemac but dented the prospects of Britannicus.
“Watching the race, they were kicking up a lot,” Wilde said.
“The track looks a lot wetter than I thought, and Britannicus’ performance probably reflected that.
“This horse is really good on soft ground, and he showed a good turn of foot at Warrnambool and that was a really good display.
“He had no weight on his back, and I thought Will put him into the race at the right time.”
After a beginning his career with Francis Finnegan, for whom he had a couple of starts over hurdles, Tolemac was transferred to Wilde’s care last year where he underwent a full season over the smaller jumps.
Wilde switched Tolemac to steeplechasing during the Warrnambool May Carnival with the gelding scoring a debut win over the bigger fences on May 3.
After Sunday’s victory, Wilde said Tolemac could progress through the season and end up in the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat in August.
“A lot of horses coming out of Warrnambool come here and we’re always top heavy in May and then peter out during the year,” Wilde said.
“Heavy ground is the key to him, so we’ll try and get him through to end of the season.
“He’s a pretty nice horse and if there are any signs that he needs time, we’ll give it to him, but while his form is good, he’s well and the tracks are wet, you wouldn’t be put off in heading to the Grand National.
“I thought the 3900 metres might have been a test for him, but the slow tempo helped him.”
