Trainer Andrew Bobbin will delay his decision until Thursday morning before committing Duke Of Bedford to the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.

A win in Thursday’s Grand Annual over 5500m would secure the $192,000 first prize and a $50,000 bonus for connections, following Duke Of Bedford’s victory in the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on the opening day of the Warrnambool Carnival.

Under William McCarthy, Duke Of Bedford ($4.40) led from the front to score a four-length win over Freddy The Eagle ($7.50) and Instigator ($11) in the Brierly.

Despite his strong on-pace win, Bobbin is uncertain whether Duke Of Bedford is suited to Warrnambool’s challenging hills and open paddocks. He believes the horse is better suited to flatter tracks like Sandown and Ballarat.

“I had always thought that he would be better on the flat tracks,” Bobbin said. “But we’ll see how the field holds up.”

Bobbin admitted to concerns when the field raced uphill with Duke Of Bedford in the lead, but his jumping ability shone through late in the race.

“His jumping is what won him the race today,” Bobbin said.

McCarthy’s win with Duke Of Bedford marked back-to-back victories in the Brierly Steeplechase after guiding Stern Idol to victory last year. The Irish jockey, returning from a shoulder injury, was thrilled with the result.

“I didn’t want to retire with an injury and what a day to come back,” McCarthy said.

Meanwhile, the $3.30 favourite Leaderboard fell at the first of the Tozer Road double and has been scratched from Thursday’s race after being reported lame.