The saying goes that weight will cease a practice, nevertheless it hasn’t been in a position to cease Stern Idol who will chase a fourth jumps victory for the yr at Sandown.

Stern Idol heads to the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) on Sunday the place he will probably be joined by his Ciaron Maher-trained stablemate Rockstar Ronnie.

The Crisp Steeplechase is anticipated to be Stern Idol’s Grand Remaining for the yr after being unbeaten in his three earlier jumps races.

Stern Idol scored at Pakenham on April 14, took out the characteristic Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool through the Could Carnival after which at his most up-to-date begin within the Mosstrooper Steeplechase at Pakenham on July 21.

The Maher secure took benefit of the set-weights and penalties nature of the Mosstrooper at Stern Idol’s newest outing when he strolled dwelling to a 14-length victory.

The Crisp Steeplechase will even be run at set-weights and penalties and is a race Stern Idol received by 25 lengths final yr.

The one occasions Stern Idol has been crushed in a steeplechase race was when retired from the motion in each the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool and the Grand Nationwide Steeplechase at Ballarat final yr.

Stern Idol didn’t contest the Grand Annual this yr and is unlikely to run within the Grand Nationwide the place he’ll possible get an excessive amount of weight.

Jack Turnbull, assistant coach for the Maher secure, stated Sunday’s race was prone to be Stern Idol’s ultimate jumps race for the season.

“Then it will likely be as much as what Ciaron needs to do subsequent yr,” Turnbull stated.

“There may be actually solely three or 4 races the place we are able to place him with out weighing him down with an excessive amount of weight.

“I do know he’s a giant horse, however weight can gradual them down.”

Maher had a style of worldwide jumps racing with Massive Blue competing on the Cheltenham Pageant within the UK in 2020 whereas Stern Idol might head to Japan if a call was made to go abroad with the jumper.

The Nakayama Grand Soar in April might be on the agenda, a race Eric Musgrove received thrice with Karasi and John Wheeler took out with St Steven.

“That will be Ciaron’s name and I’m positive as a collective the secure and possession group could be intrigued in doing so,” Turnbull stated.

“Logistically, how that may work, I’m unsure.”

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