Over the past 15 years, only four trainers have managed to prepare a winner of the demanding Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool—widely considered Australia’s toughest race.

Ciaron Maher leads the way with seven victories since 2010, three in partnership with David Eustace. Patrick Payne follows with four wins, while New Zealand’s John Wheeler added a 2013 victory to his earlier success through the 1990s and early 2000s.

Symon Wilde is the only other trainer to break through in that time, winning three editions, including last year with Count Zero. This year, Wilde is the sole member of that elite group with runners entered—Freddy The Eagle, Bazini, and Count Zero himself.

Freddy The Eagle ran a strong second in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase (3450m), while Bazini was unseated after colliding with a fallen runner in the same race. Wilde confirmed on Wednesday both were likely starters.

“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’s down in the weights, the prize money is strong, and it’s his home track. If we wait until next year, he could carry more weight.”

“We’ve got a fit, sound horse that has pulled up well and you have to give it consideration.”

Bazini appears none the worse for wear following Tuesday’s mishap.

“He followed the field around and he seems pretty good,” Wilde reported.

Count Zero, winner of last year’s Grand Annual and the Jericho Cup on the flat, has only raced three times since but has pleased the stable in recent schooling.

“His last trial here was great,” Wilde said. “He’s good around the course. He’s older now and has a bit of weight, but Berry The Cash has brought the weights down nicely.”

“He’s a dry tracker, which is rare in jumpers, but he’s going to get ideal conditions. He thrives at these marathon distances.”