Autridge Optimistic

The Informant reports on Brer's Ellerslie assignment today ...

Brer's (left main picture) pleasing trial over the demanding Ellerslie steeplechase circuit on Tuesday has co-trainer Stephen Autridge confident his charge will be up to the task on raceday (today).

The talented steeplechaser will tackle the time-honoured McGregor Grant Steeplechase, clashing with the likes of Amanood Lad.

The Electrolux-sponsored Prestige Jumping event is the feature attraction at Ellerslie's traditional Queen's Birthday Monday raceday, with Autridge keen to see his promising chaser go one better after finishing second in the Waikato Steeplechase at his last start.

“He hasn't been over the Ellerslie hill before, so until you do under race conditions you don't really know how they will handle it, but he did jump very nicely there on Tuesday,” he said.

Autridge and training partner Jamie Richards brought Brer up to Ellerslie last week to participate in the open school organised by the Auckland Racing Club and left well pleased with his effort.

“He jumped beautifully and loved the live fences, so we were very pleased with him,” he said.

“They went about a lap and a half and only once over the hill but he just jogged along and measured his fences nicely.

“He has come on after his run at Te Rapa and I think we've just about got him spot on for the race. Like I said, you don't know how they will ultimately perform until they've tackled the hill but we're very happy going into the race.”

Autridge was also quick to note that Brer wouldn't have to battle his eventual conqueror at Te Rapa, with Sea King instead set to contest the other major jumping event on the day, the K S Browne Hurdle.

The Kevin Myers-trained Sea King will be looking to go two better than last year, where he finished third to Thenamesbond and Wee Biskit. Both will be amongst his opposition again (today).