A maiden run at Flemington was not originally on Stern Idol’s itinerary, but with his steeplechase rivals showing reluctance, a revised plan could lead to a significant victory for connections.
The decorated steeplechaser is among 21 acceptors for this Saturday’s $150,000 Deane Lester Flemington Cup.
This 2800-metre race is named in tribute to the late form analyst and media personality, who also served as racing advisor to Stern Idol’s managing owner, Gerry Ryan.
Stern Idol was slated to contest the Mosstrooper Steeplechase on Sunday, but the race was cancelled as he was the sole acceptor. Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer, Jack Turnbull, mentioned that the backup plan involved either a start at Flemington or a jumps trial at Coleraine two days later.
Turnbull maintains regular contact with Maher, who is currently in the UK, and Gerry Ryan. Both are open to using the Deane Lester Flemington Cup as a final lead-up to the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) at Sandown on August 2, which is expected to be Stern Idol’s final start.
“I had a chat with Ciaron over in London and it’s something that we are considering,” Turnbull said about the potential 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.”
A winner of 18 of 42 starts, Stern Idol has raced 29 times in Australia, with only six of those domestic outings being on the flat.
His initial Australian start was an eighth-place finish in a 2400m BM64 at Swan Hill’s June carnival in 2022. This mirrored his placing in the 2024 Listed Sandown Cup, while his other four flat runs have been in the 3000m BM70 at Sandown each March.
After securing victory in that race in 2023, Stern Idol finished second the following year, third in 2025, and fourth this year.
He recorded wins at Terang and Warrnambool, including the Brierly Steeplechase(3450m), before a third-place result in his most recent start, the Australian Steeplechase (3900m).
Turnbull indicated that the team was disappointed the nine-year-old didn’t get the opportunity to run in the Mosstrooper, but he is confident it won’t impact his Crisp Steeplechase chances.
“He doesn’t need to jump, he doesn’t need the practice,” he stated.
“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 listed alongside stablemate Smokin’ Romans among the nominations for the Deane Lester Flemington Cup, but Turnbull noted that the veteran Group 1 winner will most likely compete in the 2000m BM100 on the same program.
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