AU - Ballarat - Race 2

GRIPPING (3) has not finished further back than fourth in seven runs this prep, including six minor placings, and last start beat home all bar Split, who is odds-on favourite in a much tougher race later in the day despite 168lbs. Meets some promising types, but his extra seasoning over the jumps might come to the fore. ZIKRON (10) tackles the jumps for the first time at what is only his sixth start. Last raced when he finished fourth in a over 1 ½m at Geelong on July 31. Sure to be well-schooled and is going to be prominent. BISMARCK (1) is also making his jumps debut, coming off a win over 1 ?m at Ballarat Synthetic nearly three weeks ago. Looks primed for a huge jumps debut. SUNDAY BUZZ (8) has been well held his past couple, but they have been in handy maidens and his jumps experience could come in handy here. HULA BEAT (4) stuck on gamely last start and would be best served by making it a true staying test.