Stern Idol remains on track for a possible third crack at the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat after cruising to victory at Sandown.
The Ciaron Maher-trained jumper made every post a winner to secure his third successive Crisp Steeplechase (4200m), with jockey Steven Pateman describing it as the gelding’s best performance yet.
Sent out a dominant favourite, Stern Idol coasted home by 15 lengths from Not Usual Dream, with Field Of Lights finishing third.
He carried 71kg, having previously won the Crisp Steeplechase with 69kg and 70kg before attempting the Grand National Steeplechase later in August, where he failed to finish under hefty weights.
This year’s Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) has been moved forward to 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 gradually built up the tempo in the second half of the race, and Stern Idol opened up a huge margin heading up the hill.
“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 had just arrived back from the UK after attending Goodwood’s Group 1 Sussex Stakes and was not on track for 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.
Fans looking to back Stern Idol in the Grand National Steeplechase can find the best betting options at Australia’s top betting sites.