It’s back to Casterton on Sunday where the highlight of three jumping races will be the steeplechase over the magnificent live hedges.
Race 1 -Ecycle Maiden Hurdle, 3500m
Really interesting maiden hurdle with two well credentialed newcomers in Joffrey and Suffolk Star. Joffrey has come up as an odds-on favourite, but it’s interesting that the number one jumps rider for the Maher stable, Willie McCarthy, has taken the ride on Suffolk Star rather than partner with Joffrey. Casterton is probably the hardest track on the circuit for a horse to win on debut because of the tight circuit and multiple jumps in the straight. That leads me to Whiskey Tango as my top pick. I would have liked him to be stronger through the line at Sale, but the form out of that race looks strong and he is a safe jumper which counts for a lot here.
Strategy: Back Whiskey Tango.
Race 2 – Adam Lindsay Gordon Series BM120 Hurdle, 3200m
Killourney is the class in this race. He finished up chasing last season but comes back to hurdling at his first jumps assignment of the year. I really liked his recent trial at Warrnambool as well. Freddy The Eagle shapes up as the one to beat while Maatsuyker is a good chance as well, but looks poison odds to my eye.
Strategy: Back Killourney.
Race 4 – WC & AC Miller Steeplechase, 3800m
What a race this is. I really like Carnamah here. The gelding has been a revelation since being switched to the bigger fences, firstly upsetting Duke of Bedford at Hamilton before pushing The Mighty Spar all the way at Hamilton. Carnamah should lead here, will stay, and jumps like a stag. No knock on The Mighty Spar other than the price, while Mighty Oasis only knows how to run well and should be in it again.
Strategy: Back Carnamah.
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