A start in Victoria's richest hurdle race is on the cards for Warrnambool jumper Double Bluff after he scored a gutsy victory in the South Australian Grand National Hurdle at Morphettville on Saturday.
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Double Bluff fought back, under the urgings of Warrnambool-based jumps jockey Shane Jackson, to defeat Andrea Mantegna by a head in the $50,000 race with Hero's Honour back in third place.
Trainer Aaron Purcell said Double Bluff just outstayed Andrea Mantegna over the concluding stages of the 3500-metre race.
"It was a big win by Double Bluff," Purcell said. "He was headed by Andrea Mantegna about 500 metres from the finishing line. I must admit I was worried at that stage of the race but full credit to Shane he never panicked.
"It was a top ride by Shane. I'm sure there's more improvement in Double Bluff regarding his jumping career. He's won two of four of his jumps starts.
"We've earmarked Victoria's $250,000 Grand National Hurdle at Sandown on August 4 as his main target. We may look at the Lafferty Hurdle at Warrnambool next month."
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The Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase winning trainer said he's unperturbed about the 4200 metres of the Grand National Hurdle for Double Bluff.
"He's got good solid flat form so I don't think the distance will be a worry," Purcell said. "His biggest concern is if the track gets too heavy.
"He likes it wet but not bottomless as it was at Warrnambool last Thursday, if it's too heavy for the Lafferty we'll look at a flat race before preparing him for the Grand National Hurdle."
Double Bluff took his stake earnings to more then $530,000 with his hurdle win in Adelaide.
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