Trainer Symon Wilde praised the ride of Dean Parker after Bazini’s win in last Sunday’s $50,000 Pontings Mitre 10 Open Steeplechase (3450m) at Warrnambool.
Bazini ($2.70) came home strongly to defeat $1.80 favourite The Mighty Spar in what was a three-horse race. Not Usual Dream looked like being right in the finish but came down at the second-last fence. 
Wilde says he will now set Bazini at the $100,000 Thackeray Steeplechase at Warrnambool on Sunday week, June 28.
“It was a great ride by Dean,” Wilde said. “He never panicked at any stage. 
“I think he’s a very underrated jumps jockey. He does a lot of work for our stable.” 
Wilde said the Thackeray would suit Bazini.
“He’s been an unlucky jumper. He ran third in the 2025 Grand Annual before coming down in this year’s Annual. 
“He should gain plenty of confidence out of Sunday’s win. We’ll head to the Thackeray before getting him ready for the Grand National later in the jumps season. He’s a strong stayer with a liking for wet tracks.”
Golden Garden, looking for a hat-trick of steeplechase wins, may be Wilde’s other Thackeray runner.
Zin for the win
Versatile horseman Will Gordon believes Zinovation is destined for a bright future over jumps following his maiden hurdle win at Warrnambool’s Sunday meeting.
Gordon, who mixes flat and jumps riding, steered the Mick Price and Michael Kent junior-trained Zinovation ($5.50) to an impressive victory over Morryl Moral and Flamin’ Romans. 
Sunday was the first time Gordon had been on board the lightly raced four-year-old.
“He won well,” he said. “I think he’s got a bright future over the jumps. He likes wet ground and he’s a handy type of stayer. With a bit of time I’m confident he should develop into a handy steeplechaser.”
Saint shines
Geelong’s Jess Pateman had her second winner as a trainer at Warrnambool on Sunday.
New Zealand-bred Saint Eustace ($5.50) was ridden by Pateman’s husband, champion jumps jockey Steven, to win the maiden steeplechase over 3450 metres. 
The couple won a hurdle race with Bitcoin at Warrnambool in July last year.
Pateman said Saint Eustace might have his next start at Casterton.
“There’s a couple of nice steeplechases at Casterton before the end of the jumps season,” she said. 
“Sunday’s win was a great reward for his loyal owners. It was also a great result to team up with Steve for another win.”
Hart happy with FIFO life
Hit-and-run visits to New Zealand are paying dividends for Warrnambool jumps jockey Jordan Hart.
The Irish-born hoop rode Leprekham to victory in a maiden hurdle at Trentham on Wednesday June 10 before having two rides at Te Rapa last Saturday. 
Hart followed up his New Zealand trip with rides at Warrnambool on Sunday. 
“It’s been a hectic week but I’m loving it,” he said. “It’s a wonderful experience to ride over there. 
“I’ve had a few rides in New Zealand now and it looks like I’ll have another few coming up over the next few weeks. I’m very grateful to get such great support from Kiwi trainers including Niall Quinn plus Peter and Jessica Brosnan.”
Hart, who has ridden 16 winners over the jumps and in highweight races, says he loves living in Warrnambool despite its cold winters.
“I’m kept very busy helping out my fiancée Jo Mugavin, who has 10 horses in work plus some pre-trainers, and riding trackwork for Shane Jackson.”
Hart has been based in Warrnambool for more than two years.