ALL roads lead to the Warrnambool May Carnival for champion jumper Black And Bent after he won his eighth consecutive hurdle race at Sandown Hillside yesterday.
Black And Bent cruised to victory in a return to jumps racing in the Pink Ribbon Hurdle, 3300m.
Caulfield/Ballarat trainer Robert Smerdon has confirmed Black And Bent will now run in the $100,000 Galleywood Hurdle, 3200m, at Warrnambool on May 2.
The six-year-old won the Galleywood two years ago.
Black And Bent ($1.26 favourite) gave jockey Steven Pateman the easiest of rides in his five-length win over Cats Fun ($8). Our Aristocrat ($5) was a half-neck away third.
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“I don’t know how he does it but it’s a relief to know that he’s in form for the preparation in front of him. It’s exciting,” Pateman, who is unbeaten in six rides on Black And Bent, said.
“He’s a horse of a lifetime and he’s expected to win so you just want to get the job done and you are just anxious that he gets around.”
Smerdon later completed a double when Quatra Valve ($8.50) saluted in a 0-72 handicap, 1600m.