Stern Idol aims to surpass his personal Brierly Steeplechase record when lining up in Tuesday’s $150,000 feature, the feature race on the opening day of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
The Ciaron Maher-prepared imported chaser must shoulder 75kg across the 3450-metre test.
This nine-year-old gelding took the metric top weight record from Some Are Bent, successful under 71kg back in 2010, by prevailing with 73kg two seasons back, the highest since Deckard triumphed carrying 11 stone 12 ounces – equivalent to 75.5kg – back in 1939.
The assignment marks the highest impost Stern Idol has shouldered in competition, a kilogram above the burden he toted to fourth in last season’s Grand National Steeplechase, and while trainer Maher recognises the challenge ahead, he remains assured of his charge’s capabilities.
Stern Idol arrives from a dominant 25-length triumph under 72kg in the Spencer Memorial Steeplechase over 3850m at Terang on April 19.
“I suppose it can stop him, he’s got 10 kilos on most on the field, but he’s big though,” he said.
“With the weight, it’ll be a test.
“He was a good win the other day, he’s come through it well and he seems to get around there pretty well.”
The $2.10 market elect for the Brierly Steeplechase, Stern Idol concedes 6kg to Leaderboard, while Mark Walker-conditioned yard companion The Mighty Spar on 67.5kg stands as the sole other acceptor exceeding the 65kg threshold.
Runners at 65kg include $3.20 fancy Hit The Road Jack alongside Instigator, who filled second spot – going down by a long neck – against Stern Idol in the 2024 Brierly Steeplechase.
Stern Idol’s sole appearance during the Warrnambool Carnival will come in the Brierly Steeplechase, though Leaderboard, The Mighty Spar, Castrofrancaru, Hit The Road Jack and Instigator could return Thursday in the $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase, which attracted 11 entries on Monday.
The key attraction in that 5500m contest is Duke Of Bedford, seeking consecutive successes.
The $300,000 Warrnambool Cup is also carded for Thursday, headed by recent Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) victor Newlook in the 2350m Listed affair.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing betting markets on Stern Idol in the Brierly Steeplechase.