Sandown
Race 2 – Riding High
Jockey – Willie McCarthy
3900m Australian Steeplechase
Veteran jumper Riding High returns to his happy place in the Australian Steeplechase this afternoon. The ten-year-old son of Raise The Flag won this race three years ago and was runner-up in last year’s edition, lining up today fit and sound and with the expectation of another competitive showing. Jockey Willie McCarthy knows the horse well and will let him bowl along where comfortable, with conditions under-hoof favourable in the open spaces at Sandown.
Count Zero and Bell Ex One come here after running the quinella in the Grand annual at Warrnambool a month ago. The pair slogged it out over 5500-metres there and could only be separated by a nose in a ripping finish. Back in trip is a major query, and it’s a big ask to expect them to front up and be at their best following that stoush. Either horse would need to pull out something special to win, leaning to Bell Ex One of the pair. Instigator and Crosshill also come through the Grand Annual but didn’t figure in the finish, likely to have recovered from that run quicker than their aforementioned rivals. Instigator pushed Stern Idol right to the finish in The Brierly, only beaten a neck there and has been in good jumping form all preparation. This distance range suits and no surprise to see him in the finish today. Hardest to beat. Others stretched.
Riding High has forged a different path to this afternoon’s race but comes in fit and sound and ready to perform well. He’ll be sharper than a few of his rivals at 3900-metres and provided he jumps cleanly, can be right there at the last fence. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Riding High is a $7 chance in the market.