Racing: Fitness key to feature 'chase

Look for contrasts between the two steeplechase favourites Bart and Deceit at Ellerslie tomorrow.

Bart, says co-trainer Sheryl McGlade is definitely a jumping race short of his best and Deceit is so fit she has muscles in her ears.

That will be close to being the difference in the run from the final fence tomorrow.

Bart missed his planned steeplechase run at Te Rapa a few weeks ago when Sheryl McGlade decided the track was too firm to risk his legs so early in the jumping season.

The dashing 'chaser has subsequently had a barrier trial, which has brought his condition on, but there is nothing like match fitness in the jumping game.

"He's fit, but he's not race fit," is McGlade's summation.

Deceit is probably going to be the fittest horse at Ellerslie tomorrow.

It is something of a surprise that trainer Tony Cole is lining up the mare after what looked like a knock-down, drag-out tough effort fighting out the finish of last week's Waikato Steeplechase with eventual winner Gold Jet. Cole is unconcerned about the prospect of backing up the talented mare.

"She has flown through that race - she's come through it very well. She was a very fit horse and that has stood by her."

Cole said he is keen not to miss an opportunity to race at Ellerslie.

"I've always believed you have to give them as much practice at racing at Ellerslie as you can because that's where the money is."

Deceit's obvious fitness should get her over the top of the dashing Bart, who will be in the race for a long way.

McGlade is more confident of success in the maiden steeplechase with Royal Keel, who impressed with his second to Tokiocity in his steeplechashing debut at Paeroa.

"If anything, he's probably improved for that run. He was squealing going up Browne's hill this morning - it's a great sign when they can do that."

The second stable runner in the maiden 'chase, Krona's Lead, was the last of the six runners behind Tokiocity at Paeroa, but McGlade was happy with his first attempt over the bigger fences.

"He needs good ground and I'm hoping the rain stays away."

Crown Dancer, she says, will need her outing in the hurdle race.