Hawkes Bay Test for Brer

Jamie Searle reports on stuff.co.nz -

Uncertainty over Brer's stamina in steeplechases of 4000 metres and longer could be lifted at Hastings on Saturday.

The 4800 metres of the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase will be a good test for Brer, Matamata co-trainer Jamie Richards says.

"There is a question mark about his stamina."

He finished third in the 4150m McGregor Grant Steeplechase at Ellerslie on June 6 at his last start. It was the longest steeplechase he had competed in.

The 6400m Great Northern Steeplechase at Ellerslie in September is not on Brer's programme but he is being considered for the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) on the first day of the Grand National meeting at Riccarton on August 6.

His two steeplechase wins were over 3200m at the 2014 National meeting.

With rain forecast, Richards hopes the Hastings track won't be too wet for Brer. It was a Slow7 on Wednesday.

"We're pretty happy with him. He's in the right form leading into the race," Richards said.

Brer and regular rider, Daniel Miller, finished second to Sea King in the Waikato Steeplechase at Te Rapa on May 21.