Maher Magic At Oakbank
- Sunday, 04 April 2010 03:31
Honest steeplechaser Al Garhood ensured trainer Ciaron Maher would secure victory in both jumps races at Oakbank on Saturday after winning the $100,000 Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m).
Ridden by leading jumps jockey Craig Durden, Al Garhood took up his customary position in the lead and was never headed despite the various challenges in the last lap by Frenzilian and stablemate Pentacolo.
Frenzilian made his move shortly after the fallen log down the back straight the second time however peaked on his run approaching the home bend.
As Frenzilian started to weaken, Pentacolo chimed in three-wide to put in his claim.
However Al Garhood was simply too brave over the final two furlongs and would not be denied victory.
Al Garhood ($9) defeated Pentacolo ($6) by three and a half lengths with the John Wheeler-trained Yamanaura ($8) a further five and a half lengths adrift in third.
"Going into the race I thought he had a bit of zest about him,” Maher told The Advertiser.
“He was beaten 30 lengths first-up over a mile, then got it back to 10 lengths at his second run and then was only three lengths off them last start.”
While Al Garhood will now be kept for the Warrnambool Carnival and a possible tilt at a third Brierley Steeplechase, Pentacolo is entered for Monday’s $166,000 Scott Group Of Companies Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m) where he will be looking for back-to-back wins in the event.
Maher will wait until the scratching deadline tomorrow morning to determine whether Pentacolo will back-up and carry the topweight of 68kg in what is now Australia’s richest jumps race following the demise of some prestigious races in Victoria.
However Frenzilian is not expected to back-up into the $100,400 Yalumba Classic Hurdle (3600m) after sustaining an abrasion on a leg during yesterday’s Von Doussa.
The first three horses across the line in yesterday’s $30,300 Woodford Reserve Hurdle (2900m) are expected to reignite rivalries on Monday in the feature hurdle event instead.
Satu San ($5.50) defeated Sirrocean Storm ($5) by eight and a quarter lengths with Art Success ($2.10 fav) – a former Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner on the flat - finishing third.
The Maher-trained Satu San came with a sweeping run down the back straight on the final occasion to gather in the leaders and record a soft victory with Gavin Bedggood in the saddle.
"The trial on Monday and a week of solid work topped him off and I was expecting a much better effort today,” Maher said.
To view the final field and form for the Great Eastern Steeplechase, click here.
To view the final field and form for the Yalumba Classic Hurdle, click here.
Pictures: Jenny Barnes
