Warrnambool
Race 6 – Riding High
Jockey – Richard O’Donoghue
3450m Thackeray Steeplechase
Grand campaigner Riding High returns to the fences today following a solid run on the flat just nine days ago. The ten-year-old son of Raise The Flag finished third over 2200-metres at Ballarat on that occasion, a run to keep him ticking over after his excellent runner-up effort in the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown at the beginning of June. Rider Richard O’Donoghue steps in for the injured Willie McCarthy and can let his gelding roll from the start, settling in the first few in running from the get-go.
Rockstar Ronnie and Wil John will contest the top from the start, while Leaderboard can roll across with Riding High to settle in the front half of the field. Leaderboard led and won strongly here over this trip a fortnight ago and is jumping in good fashion. His form over the smaller fences was good prior to that run, and he has a turn of foot a few of these would envy. One of the main chances. Wil John resumed with a big Maiden Steeplechase win five weeks ago but faces much stronger opposition today. He’ll get every chance from up near the lead. Each way chance to Grand Annual placegetter Tom Foolery, while Mighty Oasis isn’t without a hope. Good race.
Riding High was a terrific performance to just miss behind Bell Ex One last time over the obstacles and his run on the flat in the interim suggests he’s a horse feeling very well within himself. He’s as good a jumper as any in this field, and a repeat effort of his Sandown run will see him somewhere in the finish. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Riding High is a $7 chance in the market.