Warrnambool
Race 5 – Brungle Bertie
Jockey – Richard O’Donoghue
3450m – Benchmark 120 Steeplechase
Accomplished jumper Brungle Bertie has his first look at the obstacles on raceday this campaign when he travels to Warrnambool this afternoon. The seven-year-old son of Canford Cliffs has twice competed on the flat and had a pair of recent steeple trials in preparation for today’s contest, improving with each hitout. Jockey Richard O’Donoghue will let his gelding bowl along as he likes to do today, giving him a good look at the fences as he approaches them.
This is a competitive race, with six of eight runners in single figures and a pair of last start winners. One of these is Duke Of Bedford who won his maiden steeple event at Hamilton last start. That was his first go at the bigger fences and he looks to have ability. He beat one of today’s rivals, Gunnaluva, comfortably that day, and will likely have the better of him again today. Gunnaluva won his next start, beating Laylite in the process, but has lengths to make up on Duke Of Bedford here. Laylite improved sharply last start and further improvement gives him an each way chance today. Roland Garros will go forward with Brungle Bertie and may take up the lead and give the Dwyer runner something to chase. He’s jumping soundly and will be in this for a long way.
Brungle Bertie loves a heavy surface (4:1-1-2) and gets conditions to suit today. His last run on the flat has brought him on well for this and he’s jumped beautifully in both steeple trials. He’s the top-rater in this field and his best efforts win the race. While he’s relatively early in his preparation, he must be considered a winning hope.
Currently, Brungle Bertie is a $4.20 chance in the market.