Trained at Winslow by Ciaron Maher, Al Garhood as a 10-year-old won the Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m) at Oakbank at Easter and then the Grand Annual (5500m) in a thrilling climax to Warrnambool's May Racing Carnival.

The voting period, August 1, 2009 to August 15, this year, excludes his 2009 win in the Brierly Steeplechase.

Racing Victoria Limited yesterday opened voting for the award with experts and media representatives casting votes.

Al Garhood faces some tough competition for the award, with star Black And Bent, which won three feature hurdles including Warrnambool's Galleywood and the Australian. His half-brother, a two-time winner of the award, Some Are Bent which won this year's Brierly Steeplechase and the Tom Corrigan Hurdle, both at Warrnambool, is also among the chances.

Other horses nominated are the Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston-trained Tarawera (winner of the Crisp and Australian steeplechases), the Mick Kent-trained Grand National Hurdle winner The Pentagon, Patrick Payne's Great Eastern Steeplechase winner It's A Dud and last weekend's Houlahan Hurdle winner Titch, the Robbie Laing-trained Pentiffic which won last year's Crisp and Grand National steeplechases and last weekend's Grand National Steeplechase winner, the Michael Trinder-prepared Morsonique.

The 2010 Australian champion jumper award will be presented at the Australian racehorse of the rear and hall of fame awards next month.