Flat race a launching pad for Streaky Fella's jumps career

The Warrnambool trainer has earmarked a maiden hurdle race at Casterton or Coleraine over the next few weeks as likely targets for the eight-year-old stayer after today’s 2500-metre race.

“We had Streaky Fella entered for the jumps trials at Cranbourne on Wednesday and for the Valley today. The trials were called off on Wednesday, so we decided on this option to give him another flat run,” Purcell said. 

“He’s a very good jumper. We schooled him over hurdles at Coleraine last Friday and jockey Braidon Small was very pleased with him. 

“He’s a very clever jumper who should go well at the jumps caper on the back of being a handy flat performer.”

Purcell said Streaky Fella had a few minor fetlock issues after running in the Mount Gambier Cup in May, but he was now over those problems.

“It’s just taken us a bit of time to get him right again,” he said.

“He’s sound now and I think he’ll run a good race (today) at big odds. 

“He likes wet tracks, so you would think he would appreciate the surface at the Valley if they have had as much rain as us.

“I thought his last run in Adelaide was good. He loomed up and looked like he could win, but he just went to line the other day. 

“I think the horse is a lot better in himself now.”

Front-running stayer Streets Apart makes his Melbourne debut today in an $80,000 restricted race over 2040m at Moonee Valley for Koroit trainer James McNamara.

Streets Apart failed at his last outing over 1600m at Coleraine on August 11 but had won his three previous starts at Casterton, Warrnambool and Donald. 

Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean has Lethal Arrow in a 1500m race.