THE Eric Musgrove-trained Thubiaan is in the frame to collect a A$300,000 bonus should he win the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat in July. His win, with Martin Kelly up, in Sunday’s $100,000 Australian Steeple over 3,400 metres at Ballarat, is the pair’s second feature jumps win following their Brierly Steeple victory at Warrnambool in May. Three wins from any of six nominated feature jumps races secures the bonus.

“He was unbelievable again, he’s a tough horse and if anything I think he’s only going to keep getting better,” said Kelly. “I’m so glad to be a part of his career, Eric (Musgrove) has been good to me keeping me on the horse and I couldn’t be happier.”