Stern Idol kept his hopes alive for a third shot at the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat with an effortless victory at Sandown.
The star jumper dominated from start to finish to claim his third straight Crisp Steeplechase (4200m), prompting jockey Steven Pateman to declare that Sunday’s win was the best the gelding had ever felt.
Starting a long odds-on favourite, Stern Idol eased down to score by 15 lengths over Not Usual Dream, with Field Of Lights another half-length away in third.
The gelding carried 71kg, having won the Crisp Steeplechase in the two previous years with 69kg and 70kg. On both occasions, he later contested the Grand National Steeplechase but failed to finish under heavy weights of 71kg and 73kg.
This year’s Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) will be run two weeks earlier, on August 17.
“Everyone is going to ask about Ballarat, but he’s had a great prep, so I’ll leave that up to the team,” Pateman said.
“Today was actually another gallop.
“It’s crazy to say, but he felt the best he ever has today, and he looked amazing, so a shout out to the Ballarat crew.
“They just had him on today and he absolutely galloped.”
Pateman allowed Stern Idol an easy run early before increasing the tempo on the second circuit. By the top of the hill, he had surged 25 lengths clear.
“Half-way up the hill I couldn’t hear the horses behind me,” Pateman said.
“Usually when you’re in front you can hear the horses jumping the fences, but I didn’t want to look around, but after that I had about 10 looks around.
“It’s a funny feeling riding him as you get a feeling, you’re the only one who can muck it up.
“At the second-last, I was looking down and not at the fence because I didn’t want to start organising him, I looked up and he wings it.
“Coming to the last, because we’re as good as home, I look up, he jumps it fine, safely and smart.”
Trainer Ciaron Maher, who had just returned from the UK after attending Goodwood’s Group 1 Sussex Stakes, was not present to see the win.
“He didn’t have much to say about today when I spoke to him, that’s because we’re lucky to have such a brilliant horse,” Pateman said.
For those looking to bet on the upcoming Grand National Steeplechase, check out the latest odds and promotions at Australia’s leading betting sites.
