It has been a while between starts over the jumps for Chequered Flag, but his flat form does give him a clear edge over the rest of this field. He has trialed nicely over the jumps ahead of his return to the races and it should not be forgotten that he was only narrowly denied in the 2019 edition of the JJ Houlahan Hurdle. That sort of performance would make him very tough to beat in this contest.
Casa De Lago is capable of a high-rating performance on her day and she finds herself in a very winnable contest at Warrnambool this afternoon. She went to another level during her Summer campaign at the end of last year and if she is able to return to the races in that sort of form, she will prove tough to beat.
Gold Medals beat Zed Em to win the Grand Annual 12 months ago and there is no reason that he can’t go back-to-back. His run in the Brierly Steeplechase earlier in the week was nothing short of outstanding and he really should have been awarded the race on protest. He loves these extended staying trips and the $6 currently available is over the odds.
Furrion has been building towards a return to winning form and he is very well-placed in the Warrnambool Cup. He returned to a semblance of his best form to finish second behind Plein Ciel in the Easter Cup and the step-up to 2350 metres suits. He will get a lovely trail into this contest and with even luck in running will prove tough to beat.