A debut at Flemington was not initially on the cards for Stern Idol, but with his steeplechase rivals withdrawing, a revised plan could see him chase an emotional victory for his connections.
The highly-regarded steeplechaser is among 21 entries for this Saturday’s $150,000 Deane Lester Flemington Cup.
The 2800-metre race is named in honour of the late form analyst and media personality, who also served as racing advisor to Stern Idol’s managing owner, Gerry Ryan.
Stern Idol was originally set to contest the Mosstrooper Steeplechase on Sunday, but the race was scratched due to him being the sole acceptor. Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull explained that the alternative options were a start at Flemington or a jumps trial at Coleraine two days later.
Turnbull is in regular contact with Maher, who is currently in the UK, and Gerry Ryan. Both are agreeable to utilising the Deane Lester Flemington Cup as a final lead-up to the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) at Sandown on August 2, which is anticipated to be Stern Idol’s final career start.
“I had a chat with Ciaron over in London and it’s something that we are considering,” Turnbull said regarding the prospect of a Flemington appearance.
“I’ve spoken to Gerry and he’s happy to do so.
“He needs a hitout. Whether or not that’s Flemington or at the trials, he’ll receive that.”
Having won 18 of his 42 starts, Stern Idol has raced 29 times in Australia, with only six of those domestic runs being on the flat.
His first Australian start was an eighth-place finish in a 2400m BM64 at Swan Hill’s June carnival in 2022. This mirrored his result in the 2024 Listed Sandown Cup, while his other four flat runs have been in the 3000m BM70 at Sandown each March.
After winning that race in 2023, Stern Idol finished second the following year, third in 2025, and fourth this year.
He achieved wins at Terang and Warrnambool, including the Brierly Steeplechase(3450m), before a third-place finish in his most recent outing, the Australian Steeplechase (3900m).
Turnbull stated that the team was disappointed the nine-year-old didn’t get the chance to compete in the Mosstrooper, but he is confident it won’t hinder his chances in the Crisp Steeplechase.
“He doesn’t need to jump, he doesn’t need the practice,” he commented.
“It’s more about just having him go into the race as well as we can have him.
“I don’t think the actual lack of the race will affect his prep, because he is fit.”
Stern Idol is nominated for the Deane Lester Flemington Cup alongside stablemate Smokin’ Romans. However, Turnbull indicated that the veteran Group 1 winner is more likely to contest the 2000m BM100 on the same program.
Consider the available Australian betting sites for betting markets for the race.
