Local trainer Symon Wilde has continued his domination of the steeplechase races at the Warrnambool May Carnival providing the quinella on Wednesday’s card.
Wilde prepared Britannicus to win the first day feature, the Brierly Steeplechase, while Tolemac led home stablemate Under The Bridge in the Dunroe Steeplechase (3450m) on the middle day.
The Warrnambool-based trainer will have two runners in the final day’s feature, the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m), saddling Vanguard and Hurry Cane.
A heavily backed $3 favourite under Will Gordon, Tolemac led home Under The Bridge ($6.50) by eight lengths with Roland Garos ($4.20) a further six lengths away third.
Tolemac was having his first start over the bigger jumps on Wednesday and Wilde said the seven-year-old could be a contender in the Brierly Steeplechase in 12 months’ time.
“He’s got a nice little turn-of-foot and he jumps so well,” Wilde said.
“That was, for a horse having his first steeplechase start, a good effort even if he got in close to a couple but he didn’t lose any momentum.
“He’s a really good jumper and he’s good on all types of ground. He does handle the heavy but is fine on better surfaces as well.”
Wilde said Under The Bridge may be better suited over a longer trip and could possibly be set for the Grand Annual Steeplechase next year.
Shaun Phelan, the rider of Mighty Oasis which fell at the third last jump when looming as a potential threat, underwent a concussion test before being transported to hospital for precautionary scans, complaining of back soreness.