Tuesday’s $150,000 Brierly Steeplechase, flagship of day one at the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, sees Stern Idol striving to top his prior best in the race.

Ciaron Maher’s imported runner totes 75kg in the 3450-metre spectacle.

The veteran nine-year-old seized the metric top-weight honour from Some Are Bent’s 71kg 2010 win by landing the prize under 73kg two years ago, the most since 1939 victor Deckard with 11 stone 12 ounces or 75.5kg.

At 75kg, it’s Stern Idol’s maximum race burden, surpassing by 1kg his fourth-placing carry in last term’s Grand National Steeplechase, and although Maher eyes the weight obstacle, he holds firm belief in success.

His preparation includes a 25-length thrashing with less than 72kg in the 3850m Spencer Memorial Steeplechase at Terang, April 19.

“I suppose it can stop him, he’s got 10 kilos on most on the field, but he’s big though,” he said.

“With the weight, it’ll be a test.

“He was a good win the other day, he’s come through it well and he seems to get around there pretty well.”

$2.10 shot Stern Idol for the Brierly Steeplechase allows Leaderboard 6kg, as The Mighty Spar (67.5kg) from Mark Walker’s barn is the lone other past 65kg.

65kg weights apply to $3.20 runner-up choice Hit The Road Jack and Instigator, beaten a long neck by Stern Idol when runner-up in 2024’s Brierly Steeplechase.

Stern Idol limits his Warrnambool Carnival action to the Brierly Steeplechase, but Leaderboard, The Mighty Spar, Castrofrancaru, Hit The Road Jack and Instigator hold entries for Thursday’s $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase with 11 on Monday.

The 5500m feature stars Duke Of Bedford after last year’s win.

On Thursday, the $300,000 Warrnambool Cup Listed race at 2350m is spearheaded by Newlook, fresh from Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) glory.

Head to the sports betting options for the keenest racing odds on the Brierly Steeplechase.