Photo: Race Images South
By Jess de Lautour, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
Mark Oulaghan’s star jumpers West Coast and Berry The Cash were unstoppable in last month’s Grand National contests, and on Sunday, they are heavily-favoured to add the Great Northern equivalents to their formidable records.
Letham Stud bred West Coast has largely been the benchmark for steeplechasers in New Zealand for the past two seasons, winning a multitude of prestige crowns, including three-straight editions of the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), the first in history to do so.
Contesting the Ben and Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) for the first time 12 months ago at Te Rapa, the son of Mettre En Jeu displayed all of his class to take the title from race-rival Captains Run.
In this year’s race, West Coast will, as he has become accustomed too, carry the 73kg topweight under regular rider Shaun Fannin, just a week after the gelding was awarded his second Champion Jumper title at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards.
“It’s always a thrill and an honour to train a horse like him, to get those National awards is pretty satisfying,” Oulaghan said.
“He’s had a reasonably busy season but he’s doing well, his run the other day at Woodville looked a little bit flat, but the speed has probably been worked out of him at this stage.
“He was still plodding away at the finish, so I was happy enough.
“He had another run-along this (Thursday) morning then had a swim and went on the walker at home.
“Tomorrow and Saturday he’ll do a little bit of work and have a swim, he’s pretty fit and if they aren’t ready by now, it’s a bit late.
“The fences are a wee bit different to the National, but he handled them last year, he’s a good jumper so I’m not too perturbed.”
TAB bookmakers have opened West Coast as a $1.50 favourite for the Great Northern Steeplechase, slightly shorter than his stablemate Berry The Cash, who sits atop of the book in the Peter Kelly – Bayleys Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) at $1.95. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
