Kiwi challenge to Wells
HISTORY beckons for champion jumper Wells after the veteran notched a second Crisp Steeplechase victory at Sandown yesterday.
But his path to glory is now threatened by Patrick Payne’s Tallyho Twinkletoe after the Kiwi’s superb victory the 4200m Grand National Hurdle five races later.
Wells and Tallyho Twinkletoe will square off in the 4500m Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on August 25 on a defining day for both gallopers.
Ridden by Aaron Kuru, Tallyho Twinkletoe provided Payne and NZ trainer Kevin Myers with yet another triumph on Australian soil.
Following in a long line of successful invaders, including Zed Em, Tallyho Twinkletoe stunned Payne with his 4¾length success.
“He arrived on Wednesday night and jumped six hurdles and six fences and I thought he was better over the fences than the hurdles,” Payne said.
“For that reason, I thought the Grand National Steeple would be his best chance.”
Australia’s premier jumps trainer, Payne will now throw down the gauntlet Wells, magnificent winner of the 4200m Crisp.
The 12-year-old has one last chance to break a Grand National Steeplechase tie with Bashboy, who has also registered three victories in Australia’s premier chase.
Wells, who must retire at the end of this season, tried to post a fourth Grand National Steeplechase triumph last year, but jockey Richard Cully was unseated early.
Headed in a desperate finish by Slowpoke Rodrigeuz yesterday, Wells produced one of the bravest victories of a stunning career to prevail by half a head.
“We have a bit of unfinished business there at Ballarat, but first and foremost we’ll get him home and make sure all is spot-on with him,” Craig Durden said. “The Grand National is naturally the next race for him, but we just want to make sure he’s right and comes through this race 100 per cent before we lock that in.
“If he goes there and performs like he did today and runs second, we’d still be very proud of him because he’s been an amazing horse.”
Wells, who lumped 70kg yesterday, is likely to attract a weight penalty for the National.
Durden believes Wells will improve. “I said to (jockey) Richie (Cully) I thought he was better than what he was at Pakenham and with three weeks until the National he should come on again,” he said.
“He’s racing against horses that have been up and racing from early in the season and he’s had to come back and get his race craft again.
“I don’t think I’ve been associated with a braver horse. The other horse came to beat him, but he wouldn’t be denied. He’s done it before and he just keeps doing it.”
Cully said Wells was in a different league to his rivals.
“He just keeps on fighting,” Cully said. “He’s got a heart as big as himself.”
Cully completed a double on Master Poet in the 3400m MRC Membership Hurdle.