Macdonald Steeplechase – 12 July 2008

A field of eleven will line up for the $100,000 Dominant Macdonald Steeplechase over 3700 metres at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The topweight is Spanish Symbol carrying 68kg who fell at his last start and has not recaptured his top form from last season.

Three of the starters were in the shocking Grand National where only 4 of 13 runners made it past the post. These are Shrogginet, Frenzilian and Pasco, and Frenzilian was one of the horses that finished.

Frenzilian is a definite chance in this despite it being his first race over the bigger fences. Shrogginet is also making his steeplechasing debut. War Dancer and Birallee are both planning to start in the Hiskens Steeplechase in two weeks time. War Dancer looks a strong chance in this despite falling at his last start in the Crisp Steeplechase.

Prior to that he was second behind Sand Sweeper in the St Steven Steeplechase at Moonee Valley on June 21. Birallee has had a win and a second placing in two steeplechase trials over 2800m at Cranbourne.

The Macdonald is a traditional lead-up to the Hiskens, and four horses have won the double since 1974. Al Garhood won the Brierly Steeplechase in April and is one of the top hopes in this race.

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