SIMON Ryan's confidence levels have lifted for his jumper Police Camp in a $75,000 steeplechase at Casterton on Sunday, after the five-year-old put in a faultless display of jumping in a steeple school at the picturesque course on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With race day jockey Will Gordon in the saddle Police Camp schooled over 20 live hedges to prepare the imported jumper for the 3800-metre race on Sunday.
Ryan, a former jumps jockey, was impressed with the jumping of Police Camp.
"Casterton can be a very tricky jumping track," the Warrnambool-based trainer said.
"I just like giving my horses a good look around here before race day. Police Camp took to the fences really well and Will gave positive feedback.
"I would have loved it if the track was heavy for Police Camp but that looks unlikely. I think he'll run very well. His condition just gave out when he ran fourth at Warrnambool last time. He's improved with that run under his belt."
Ryan had entered Police Camp's stablemate Dormello Mo for Sunday's 'chase but decided to save the Casterton jumping specialist for the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown on May 26.
"We had thought of running at Casterton but in the end we chose the Australian Steeplechase," he said. "The Australian Steeplechase looks like being a top race on paper. I'm sure Dormello Mo will be very competitive."
An open hurdle and a maiden hurdle are also programmed for the eight event race card.
Mount Gambier-trained Woolsthorpe Store is attempting to win back-to-back Casterton Cups.
Woolsthorpe Store defeated Gold Medals and Manny to win last year's feature flat race on the program.
The eight-year-old resumed with a sixth placing at Warrnambool last time following ten months on the sidelines.
The first race is set down to start at 12.25 pm with the steeplechase scheduled to begin at 2.20pm and the Casterton Cup should start at 3.35pm.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.