OUTSTANDING jumper Bash Boy appears well weighted to continue his campaign on the flat in Ballarat on Sunday.
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The reigning Grand National Steeplechase champion has been given 56.5kg in the $30,000 Country Showcase BM70 Handicap, 3000m, for the return to racing on the newly upgraded inner-track at Sportsbet-Ballarat.
Bash Boy is not the only smart jumper among nominations for the staying assignment.
King Of Dudes is also a proven hurdler, with two wins in England before arriving at the Warrnambool stable of Aaron Purcell, as is Dubhara, which is a last-start winner in the Yalumba Hurdle at Oakbank.
Warrnambool/Caulfield trainer Ciaron Maher has given Bash Boy three runs on the flat this preparation as he builds the 10-year-old's fitness for two seconds and a fourth.
With a jumps campaign looming, Bash Boy has the outstanding record of 11 jumps starts for nine wins, a second and a third.
He marked his arrival as a star over the fences in 2012 with wins in the Crisp and Grand National Steeplechases.
Then last year he strung together four wins on end, including the Mosstrooper at Bendigo, Thackeray at Warrnambool, and Crisp and Grand National at Sandown Lakeside.
The Pat Hyland-trained Success Dostta has been given the top weight of 65.5kg for the 3000m event, ahead of No Song No Supper 63.5kg for Patrick Payne.
Ballarat Turf Club is planning for eight races.
Ballarat mare Oh Teary Me, trained by Keith Carnes, is joint top weight with 58.5kg for the other $30,000 country showcase event, a 0-64 handicap, 1400m.
The six-year-old is a home track specialist with three wins and five minor placings.