Jumps racing is back at Casterton for the first time in 2023. With perfect weather around we should be looking at ground on the better side of soft.
Casterton has separate courses for hurdles and steeplechases, but it is a venue that places an emphasis on jumping ability and can be difficult to make up ground at.
Race 1 – Ecycle Maiden Hurdle, 3500m
I liked Quiet Escape at Warrnambool and while the odds-on favourite Impulsar ultimately had her measure, it was a terrific jumping debut. That race looks the superior form for this race with her and the third placegetter from that race, Carisbrook, dominating the market. I expect her to be first home of the pair again and she is the best bet on the program.
Strategy: Back Quiet Escape.
Race 2 – Ecycle Maiden Hurdle, 3500m
This is comfortably the weaker of the two maiden hurdles. I’ll be backing a couple here at decent prices. Stan The Caddy has had one start over jumps for a third placing last year. It was a big margin but the form out of the race has been good. However, his recent flat form has been poor which is a concern. Fiorente Lass did plenty right at her jumping debut behind Furioso back in April and has good claims here. Vividredsky is the favourite but I thought he was disappointing with no real excuse at Warrnambool and the stable has been in uncharacteristically poor form.
Strategy: Back Stan The Caddy and Fiorente Lass.
Race 3 – Shojun Concrete Open Hurdle, 3500m
Good race but a tough race to assess from a betting point of view. If Bell Ex One was to bring his form from last year – where he thrashed Stern Idol – he would be a stone cold moral. However, his recent flat run was poor and he skipped Warrnambool. Not sure where he is at. Fabalot comes off a last start second in the Galleywood which reads well for this. He also races on speed which is ideal for this track. Heir to the Throne is very talented as well and should be in the finish.
Strategy: No bet.
Race 5 – Pullen & Co Open Steeplechase, 3800m
What a race this will be through the open country. It’s a specialist’s track and the specialist here is Elvison. The Symon Wilde trained nine year old has had six starts around this track for four wins. While he has the 73Kg, the record of horses carrying big weights around here is excellent. Think of horses like Lazza, Half Moon Rising and Zataglio. Big Elvis should win again.
Strategy: Back Elvison.
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