Australia: It's likely all or nothing for Valac in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown

When he finishes his races, Valac is unbeatable in steeplechases in Australia this year.

Valac has won twice and fell twice in four appearances since his season began in April.

Despite a sketchy record, Valac will be favored in Sunday’s $103,650 Crisp Steeplechase at 2 5/8 miles at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne. Bettors can have some confidence in Valac after he won an allowance race for chasers as the 9-10 favorite at 2 3/16 miles at Pakenham Racecourse on July 17 after falling in his two preceding starts.

The Crisp Steeplechase will be Valac’s first start at Sandown since a fourth-place finish over less strenuous obstacles in the Australian Hurdle at Sandown in May 2021.

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Valac, who began his career in flat races in Ireland and was later a Group 3 winner on the flat in Australia, is part of a field of 10. There is the notable scratch of Te Kahu, who was second to Valac at Pakenham on July 17.

The Pakenham race was Valac’s first start for trainer and jockey Steve Pateman following a transfer from Ben and J.D. Hayes. Pateman also rides Valac, and was aboard for the first time at Pakenham.

Valac is by Dark Angel out of Polished Gem, by Danehill. He is a full brother to the 4-year-old colt Kyprios, who has emerged as the star marathon runner in England this year with consecutive wins in two Group 1 races – the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup.

Valac’s main rival in the Crisp Steeplechase is Flying Agent, who won the Thackeray Chase at about 2 1/8 miles at Warrnambool Racecourse in May and was third in the 2021 Crisp Steeplechase.

After the win at Warrnambool, Flying Agent was fifth of 11 as a 20-1 outsider in a handicap at 1 1/2 miles on the flat at Sandown on July 20, a prep for the Crisp.

Pateman, Australia’s champion jump jockey, is expected to have a big day at Sandown. Later in the program, he rides Saunter Boy in the $207,300 Grand National Hurdle at 2 5/8 miles.

Saunter Boy was even-money in a field of eight in early betting on Friday.

A 10-year-old gelding trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Saunter Boy has won 9 of 12 races over obstacles in his 53-race career, including the Australian Hurdle at Sandown in May for the second consecutive year.

The Cossack, a 9-year-old gelding, is rated as a danger to Saunter Boy. The Cossack has won 9 of 15 starts in New Zealand for Paul Nelson, the leading jumps trainer in that country. This will be The Cossack’s first start in Australia.

Sandown has an eight-race program beginning at 10:30 p.m. Eastern or 7:30 p.m. Pacific on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.