Shaun and Hazel Fannin’s pair of talented jumpers, Jesko and Fourty Eight, will clash for the first time over fences in tomorrow’s Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha.
Jesko has been the lamp-lighter for the stable, winning the Manawatu Steeplechase, Wellington Steeplechase and Koral Steeplechase, before going down to a game Captains Run in the Grand National Steeplechase.
He has been ridden each time by Shaun Fannin, who was proud of his charge’s effort in the testing conditions at Riccarton.
"He was very brave. He got taken on a little bit in the run and probably did too much, which told in the finish in that really tough going," he said.
The son of Atlante had a quiet fortnight before setting his sights on a rematch with many of his National rivals. That preparation included a hit-out in a bottomless New Plymouth track last Saturday, where he finished seventh in the Road To The Jericho (3210m).
"He had 10 days off before building towards this race. He jumped out last Tuesday at Foxton then we took him to New Plymouth, which turned out to be an extremely heavy track," Fannin said.
"It was probably a harder run than we wanted to give him, but he’s pretty tough and it didn’t knock him too much.
Jesko opened a $5 favourite for the $200,000 feature, but the market has his stablemate nearly on even terms, with Fourty Eight an equal second-elect on $6.
The Ekraar 7-year-old has improved throughout his campaign and stepped up in his first attempt at prestige level, finishing third behind Nedwin in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup. Fannin was on board and had to contend with a riderless horse coming in and out of play. ,
"That undid him really."
He also lined up in the Jericho qualifier but was well beaten at the 800m. Fannin said the gelding had not taken any harm from the run.
"If he sees the trip out, he should be a good chance as well."
Fannin will continue his partnership with Jesko, and has entrusted friend Mathew Gillies with the ride on Fourty Eight. — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
By Jess de Lautour
