Racing: Gold Jet ready to soar

New Zealand can win today's A$200,000 Grand National with just one runner - Gold Jet.

Forget his eighth place in his Australian debut last start.

This is the race that he was sent to Australia for, but more importantly, the conditions and the track today suit him perfectly.

Moonee Valley last start was a typical sit-and-sprint race.

The 4500m at Flemington is quite simply a test of stamina. If that holds true, then Gold Jet is right in the race.

Co-trainer Shane Anderton has been looking after Gold Jet in Melbourne and declared yesterday that he was delighted with the Waikato Steeplechase winner.

"He's put on weight since Moonee Valley and I reckon he's right on his game."

Anderton noted with interest that only last year's National winner, Mookta Heights, has won at a distance beyond 4000m.

"The one thing I know is that we're going to be able to stay the distance," said Anderton.

"I'd like to see him have time to find his feet this time.

"At Moonee Valley, Tommy [Hazlett] had to hunt him early because of the sharpness of the race and the horse misjudged the first three as a result.

"He started to jump well after that, but the race just wasn't his go."

Both Anderton and Hazlett rate Mookta Heights as the danger.

"His run in the Crisp Steeples last week was the run of an improver," said Hazlett at Ellerslie races yesterday.

"Don't worry, the topweight [Merlos] is a very good horse, but he's got to carry 68kg.

"If Gold Jet is at his best he can run one, two, three - easily."

Hazlett was New Zealand's jumps jockey of the year last season and has had his share of success in Australia in the past, including wins in the 2002 Australian Hurdle on Blue Star and the 2003 Australian Steeplechase on Sir Ritchie.

Meanwhile, Grand National topweight and favourite Merlos has been beaten twice this preparation by Liquid Lunch.

And for that reason alone, Liquid Lunch's trainer, Chris Hyland, can't see why his horse can't make it three times when the pair clash again today.