CONSISTENT chaser, Mighty Oasis, gets his best chance to win over the Casterton live hedges when he heads the weights in tomorrow’s $60,000 Moredun Hill Steeplechase over 3500m.
With recent nemesis’ in Elvison and The Mighty Spar absent, the Andrew Bobbin-trained eight-year-old easily has the best form credentials of the seven combatants.
His two recent seconds at this course behind the above-mentioned jumpers, have been bookended by stylish fourths in two feature races at Warrnambool.
In May at the carnival, he was close up behind champion jumper, Stern Idol, in the Brierly, then last start he also finished fourth behind the classy Wil John in the Thackeray.
That is outstanding form for tomorrow’s race and despite carrying 73kg, should get the job done with regular rider, Tom Ryan, in the saddle.
On class, Tolemac looks the logical danger, but he is struggling for any consistency with his jumping this preparation.
Fort Charles is racing consistently, but is a maiden chaser, Mustang Harry was good when third last start, while Aquileon was travelling well before falling in the Two Rivers at his only run over this course.
The remaining two runners, Laylite and Indian Doll, are prepared by champion horseman, Steven Pateman, and it may pay to keep an eye on how they run with the Coleraine Great Western Steeplechase coming up next month.
The Finns Fine Foods Hurdle will create plenty of local interest with Freddy The Eagle looking to back up his Maiden Hurdle win in May.
His form since has been very consistent on the flat and over the jumps, including a good flat win earlier in the week at Warrnambool over 3100m
He was able to defeat star performers, Affluential and Bell Ex One, and with Will Gordon riding from barrier one, he looks a standout chance.
Dangers look to be Maatsuyker and the ever-consistent Dr Dependable.
Cadre Du Noir and Schabau both arrived from overseas as highly touted cups horses over four years ago.
Both were high up in Melbourne Cup betting, before injury and a drop in form curtailed the dreams of their owners.
While a Maiden Hurdle at Casterton wasn’t part of the original plans, the upside for jumps racing is seeing two former classy gallopers with combined prizemoney of $800,000 looking to reach the top in a new format.
Both finished third at their hurdle debuts and all things equal look likely to fight out the finish in the opening race of the seven-race program.
The most interesting of the four highweight races looks to be the Bet365 Maiden Highweight over 1400m.
There is plenty of local interest with the Trudy Cottier-trained Hoodys Horse Cottier going up against Dominant Sun owned in the same interests, but trained by David McCabe.
Both come into the race with recent seconds and look top hopes with the respective engagements of top hoops Tom Ryan and Aaron Kuru.
The trick for both gallopers is to upstage the powerful stable of Ciaron Maher, who will saddle up race favourite, Pardon My French and former Irish rider Conor Brassil.
Two third placings at Moe and Wangaratta looks good form for the race, as does the step out to 1400m.
Bec Winnell will also saddle up the first of her three runners with Call To Action. Kasami and Scottish Gold featuring later in the meeting.
Other local interest is with State Of Maine, formerly with Tom Dabernig and now trained by Charlotte Parker.
The winner of three races over 1400m, the five-year-old may need this run first-up but is worth following around the district tracks.
Matt and Louise Cooper will be hoping that Bomber’s Kiss can return to form after three runs this preparation.
With a liking for the track, the six-year-old gelding can feature if he brings the form that seen back-to-back seconds here this time last year.
Morg’s selections
Race 1: Cadre Du Noir, Schabau, Whiskey Jack.
Race 2: Freddy The Eagle, Maatsuyker, Dr Dependable.
Race 3: Pardon My French, Hoodys Horse, Outro.
Race 4: Mighty Oasis, Aquileon, Tolemac.
Race 5: Wichitall, Nicking Grace, Café Mocha.
Race 6: Lord Porchester, Snow On Her, Southern Native.
Race 7: Pulveriser, Golden Garden, Sacred Kenshi.
Sir Agrifo’s selections
Race 1: Cadre Du Noir, Schabau, Whiskey Jack
Race 2: Maatsuyker, Freddy The Eagle, Bazini
Race 3: Pardon My French, Hoodys Horse, Lochdowne
Race 4: Mustang Harry, Fort Charles, Mighty Oasis
Race 5: Wichitall, Nicking Gracie, State Of Maine
Race 6: Jenadar, Southern Native, Snow On Her
Race 7: Pulveriser, Golden Garden, Sacred Kenshi
