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Gravitas has earned himself a tilt at the Crisp Steeplechase with a return to winning jumps form at Casterton.
The most regally bred galloper at Casterton on Sunday, Gravitas, came home a popular winner over the picturesque jumps course ahead of a possible tilt at the Crisp Steeplechase.
By Redoute's Choice out of Zabeel mare National Treasure, Gravitas fetched $1.5 million at the 2007 Easter sale but failed to win a race in 10 starts for Paul Messara and five for Patrick Payne.
He is now with Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston who have coaxed five wins from the seven-year-old along with a frustrating series of minor placings.
Johnston said after his win in the 3800m steeplechase, Gravitas could back up in next Sunday's $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900m) at Sandown.
"He's a real family favourite and he was a deserved winner today," Johnston said.
"I reckon he's got to be almost the most consistent jumper in the state and probably the most improved jumper in the state this year.
"We'll nominate (for the Crisp Steeplechase) and see who turns up but he seems to just be a couple of lengths below those better class horses.
"But it's a set weights and penalties race so he'll come in on the minimum."
Steered around Casterton's traditional live hedge steeples by Richard Eynon, Gravitas beat Jooli Lad by eight lengths.
The winner's stablemate Hempstead escaped injury when he fell at the final jump but End Of Time, who fell at the second last, had to be euthanised as a result of his injuries.
The incident has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel.
Dual Group One placegetter Westsouthwest signalled he was a jumps star of the future with victory in the maiden hurdle at the Casterton meeting.
Third in both the South Australian and Queensland Derbys last year, the Robert Smerdon-trained Westsouthwest was ridden by champion jockey Steve Pateman for his first assignment over obstacles.
Westsouthwest took the lead on the home turn and his superior flat ability was to the fore as he strode to a 4-1/4 length win over Downes.
