Bad Boy Brown could snatch Hurdle
New Zealand’s jumping grand finals take place at Ellerslie today with the running of the Network Visuals Great Northern Steeplechase and the Boutique Body Corporates Great Northern Hurdle.
Lacustre, dominant winner of the Pakuranga Hunt Cup two weeks ago, looks the winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase. He has all the attributes to win the great race. He loves the Ellerslie steeplechase course — both his steeplechase wins
have come at Ellerslie — is an economical jumper, he stays and he handles bad ground.
The Arabian Duke is the obvious danger after making good ground late to run second to Lacustre in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup.
I am happy to dismiss the rest as winning chances as Max is better suited to shorter distances and, while Wise Men Say will appreciate the 6400 metres, he has been a shadow of his former self this season.
The Great Northern Steeplechase is one of the world’s great racing spectacles and should not be missed. It jumps at 3.42pm. The Great Northern Hurdle is not as clear cut. The race is headed up by top weight and the winner of the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle from two weeks ago, Laekeeper.
However, it is Bad Boy Brown on top for me. While he had his chance, he was an excellent second to fellow competitor, Alfie Dee, in last month’s Grand National Hurdles.
I like the fact that he ran over the Great Northern Hurdle distance last start on ground not too dissimilar to what he will strike today.
He is a very good jumper and has top rider, Isaac Lupton, up. Other chances are No Tip, King Oberon and Laekeeper.
If you want to get an understanding of what it takes to jump the Ellerslie steeplechase fences and to win the Great Northern Steeplechase, get yourself to Ellerslie by 9am for the steeplechase course walk led by Michelle Strawbridge (nee Hopkins) and Wayne Hillis. Complimentary morning tea is served from 9am in the new Tote on Ascot Room with the walk to commence at 9.30am.
Just remember to pack some waterproofs and gumboots.