Lord Of The Song sings loud and clear

LORD Of The Song proved trial form is a long way from race form with a stylish victory in the Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m) at Oakbank yesterday.

Preside

EXCITING jumper Lord Of The Song proved trial form is a long way from race form with a stylish victory in the Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m) at Oakbank yesterday.

The seven-year-old was a jump behind his rivals for most of his trial last Monday but trainer Patrick Payne wasn't overly concerned.

"He just paid these new hedge fences too much respect in the trial," the former jockey said.

"Steven (Pateman) said he'd be a different horse on raceday and he's a very good judge."

Pateman, Australia's leading jumps jockey, gave the bay gelding the perfect ride tucked in behind the speed set by track specialist Yesquire.

South Australia's best hope of securing some of the $100,000 prizemoney set a cracking pace throughout but the $3 favourite proved too strong for the grey and second favourite Man Of Class who claimed second.

"A trial is a trial so you shouldn't take too much notice," Pateman said.

"The trouble was he jumped the fences too well and he had to learn you can skim through the top a bit.

"This is a special place to come and they've (Oakbank) given us a wonderful track surface again."

Lord Of The Song is not entered for the Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m) tomorrow but trainer Ciaron Maher was encouraged by the effort of Man Of Class who is likely to start favourite for the historic race.

Maher, a former jump jockey himself, who worked for the Hayes family at Lindsay Park, also has Misisipi Moonshine in the Great Eastern. The seven-year-old finished ninth in the Von Doussa but Maher thinks another lap will be ideal.

Kiwi trainer John Wheeler failed to have a winner on the day but the "King Of Oakbank" still holds a strong hand for the Great Eastern with three runners.

Banna Strand was most impressive of Wheeler's three in the Von Doussa, coming from well back for sixth and just pipping Tobouggie Nights who won the Great Eastern last year.

Petushki didn't really get warm but has already proved three laps of Oakbank is his go having won the 2011 Great Eastern. All horses got around safely including Barry Brook's pair of Yesquire and Rampur who should also make the Great Eastern field.

Scenic Buzz, an eye-catching fourth in the Von Doussa, won't be lining up tomorrow in the Steeplechase worth $160,000, but trainer Terry O'Sullivan has his eyes on next year.

"He probably wasn't seasoned enough to think about running him twice in three days but we'll be back next year and we'll be a definite nom for the Great Eastern," the veteran trainer said.