Grand National Steeplechase

A field of eleven will line up for the $250,000 Cleanevent Grand National Steeplechase over 4350 metres at Flemington on Saturday.

It is Australia’s richest steeplechase with over 140 years of history behind it, and racelovers will be hoping that all horses and jockeys return unharmed, after the terrible carnage of last weeks Grand National Hurdle.

Early favourite is the big grey topweight Toulouse Lautrec who has won his last four starts in a row by a combined margin of over 41 lengths. It would be wonderful to see him win this and trainer Chris Hyland has won two of the last three Grand National Steeplechase races.

History is against him however as he has to carry 68kg, giving 4.5kg away to his nearest rivals, Geeorb, Conzeal and the 2008 Grand Annual winner Ginolad. The last horse to win with 68kg was Gogong back in 1985.

Second favourite is Geeorb who has won his last 3 jumps races including last weeks Crisp Steeplechase. He also has history against him as since the Crisp was first run in 1979, 23 winners have contested the Grand National Steeple but none have been successful.

On the third line of betting is Jamraan who has placed behind both Toulouse Lautrec and Geeorb at his last three starts. All other horses are at double figures including three entries from top jumps trainer Robbie Laing of Schumpeter, Father Patrick and Manazab.

Let’s hope the race makes history, but for reasons that are all good!

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