Pakenham
Race 6 – Riding High
Jockey – Aaron Kuru
Mosstrooper Steeplechase 3500m
Jumping veteran Riding High takes on seven rivals in the Mosstrooper Steeplechase at a wet Pakenham this afternoon. The ten-year-old son of Raise The Flag was excellent in the Australia Steeple at Sandown three starts back, then good again on the flat next time out. He was one of the first beaten off on a tricky deck at Warrnambool last start, and the heavy conditions will play against him in today’s contest.
Stern Idol will start a short-priced favourite in the event, winning around this circuit three starts back before another jumps victory at Warrnambool next start. He was fair on the flat in the Sandown Cup and won a steeple trial by a big margin ten days ago. Unbeaten from three attempts at this track and trip, and a heavy track won’t pull him up. The one to beat. Tom Foolery looks the other chance in the race, finishing runner-up behind Wil John in the Thackeray, beaten under three lengths. Unplaced from four goes on heavy ground but is racing in good heart. Blood And Sand next best.
Riding High would be better suited on drier ground, but needs the run heading into the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown in a fortnight. He’ll give his usual honest effort, no surprise to see him fill a top four spot here.
Currently, Riding High is an $11 chance in the market.