Star fencer Mazzacano and dual Australian Jumper of the Year Some Are Bent will headline Warrnambool's May carnival after landing the quinella in the Roisel Steeplechase at Sandown yesterday.
The two jumpers are on the comeback trail after injury and, both carrying 70kg, dominated the finish of the 3300m event
which was the first city jumps race of the season.
Trainer Robbie Laing feared Mazzacano's winning chances were shot when he got so far back but declared the 9-year-old was "going as good if not better than last year" after he charged home to win.
"I doubted him today when he was giving them 20 lengths' start," Laing said.
"I thought he might run a place but he is so game and very honest."
Mazzacano's class shone through as he gathered up the leaders quickly and went on to score by 2 lengths from Some Are Bent, who cost himself victory with some rusty jumping.
Pacemaker Lucky Lurch was third, battling to the line four lengths away from the runner-up in the seven-horse field.
Laing confirmed Mazzacano would have his next start in the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool on May 6, while Robert Smerdon has earmarked the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool two days earlier for Some Are Bent.
A dual Australian Steeplechase winner, Mazzacano has been a remarkable story having ruptured his near-fore tendon twice and bowing it twice.
He has been beaten only three times in 10 jumps starts, including last year in the Grand National Steeplechase when he was pulled up with a back injury.
Mazzacano's only run this campaign before Wednesday was over 3000m at Moonee Valley, where he finished ninth on the flat.
- AAP
