Racing: Steeplechase the easier leg at Trentham

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You never thought you'd say it, but the jumping race looks a better Pick6 leg than at least three of the other legs in today's $250,000 terminating bonanza at Trentham.

There are just six runners in the Wellington Steeplechase, Leg 2, and if you're game enough to risk Climbing High then Yourtheman and Mali Juraj could get you over the line.

This column has been Climbing High's biggest fan for the past two seasons, but this 5500m race in very heavy conditions is going to really test him. If he wins applaud him, but the 68kg might anchor him in the final 500m.

Yourtheman came to form at this time last year, the one blemish being when he slipped and fell in this race after landing over a fence. Two steeplechase runs so far this preparation now have him ready to show his best again. Mali Juraj was eased after winning the Waikato Steeples and his recent racing suggests he is also approaching his best again. He is dour and that's going to be a requirement today.

Leg 1
Northerner Tricky has the right form on the board for this leg. In his last two starts he has chased home Albaladejo and It's a Message, either of whom could account for this field on their day. You can see Noel Harris saving him up for the last run at the leaders, which will be critical today. Any rider that goes too soon will pay a big price. Generous Type has shown he's tough and Zenocoin has had one start in the heavy for a win.

Leg 3
Strapped for Cash is going for three on end in the Parliamentary Handicap. He won this last year under exactly the same conditions with 59kg and has the same weight. The difference is he's coming into the race on a much lighter two-race preparation. You have to trust David Smyth has got sufficient work into him, in which case the treble is definitely on. Strapped for Cash is a freak in the wet. The Strutter seems to simply love mud as well. She weakened out in the tricky Tauranga ground in Indikator's Kiwifruit Cup, but this is much more her sort of race. Halls looks the danger to the northerners.

Leg 4
Bar Keeper has only battled in his last couple of runs since his first win, but apart from two exceptions he meets maidens in this race. Conditions should suit him. Centrefold could be the upsetter. She showed form in the wet last year and is about ready to do something again. Clifton Ridge looked an improver chasing a good one in Simpre Arriba home at Hastings last start.

Leg 5
Northerners Hurricane Mickey and Matost hold a very strong hand, but conditions will need to be a bit loose rather than very sticky and holding. With 600m to run Hurricane Mickey was going nowhere in the footing at Te Awamutu last week and it wasn't until he got balanced up approaching the home turn he got going and won. Rain on the day would be perfect. Perfect also for Matost, who found the Hastings footing a bit too good.

Leg 6
Take as many here as you can afford - you can make a case for just about all of them. Platinum Sage is a must because of its record in the mud and Rumour Has It has been in the money six times from nine starts in heavy footing. Conserves La Foi battled for a few starts, but was super impressive winning at Rotorua last start. Turn On D'Light has a big apprentice claim again, which will be important today and Burger was beaten a head in this race a year ago in similar conditions. He hasn't won a race since, but the last-start second was promising.