Vindicating put in an impressive trial for Thursday's Grand Annual Steeplechase when he overcame trouble to win the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool.When Stop The Traffic fell at the fourth last fence, Vindicating ($4.60) lost valuable ground but he flew home to beat the favourite Tarawera ($1.90) and leader Royal Laddie ($12) in the 3450m feature over 19 fences."When the fallen horse went in under him I thought it was going to be a good trial for Thursday," trainer Robbie Laing said."It was

Vindicating put in an impressive trial for Thursday's Grand Annual Steeplechase when he overcame trouble to win the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool.

When Stop The Traffic fell at the fourth last fence, Vindicating ($4.60) lost valuable ground but he flew home to beat the favourite Tarawera ($1.90) and leader Royal Laddie ($12) in the 3450m feature over 19 fences.

"When the fallen horse went in under him I thought it was going to be a good trial for Thursday," trainer Robbie Laing said.

"It was a terrific ride by Gavin Bedggood. The intention was to let him run home the last 1000 metres. That was the intention, win, lose or draw.

"We just hope he's pulled up alright. He got tangled up in flailing hooves when Stop The Traffic went down so we'll take him down to the beach tomorrow.

"But all going well he'll be a great chance.

The seven-year-old completed a hat-trick following wins over the fences last month at Sandown and in the Von Doussa Steeplechase at Oakbank which was the Cranbourne trainer's first trip to the South Australian course.

"I said all along he'd make a good steeplechaser and he's vindicated that."

The former Bede Murray-trained stayer was sold to the Laing stable for $25,000 after winning a 0-72 race over 2400m on Albury Cup Day in March 2009.

The gelding has since earned $220,968 in jumps races alone with five wins and five placings from 12 starts.

"He's typical of the Zabeels who have lost interest of the flat. He just won't go," Laing said.

Laing will also back-up Brierly fourth placegetter Plumtastic (fourth) and The Member (last) in the 5500m Grand Annual.

Trainer Brian Johnston said Tarawera would not back up in Thursday's Warrnambool Cup (2350m) but would instead run on the flat over 2800m at Flemington on Saturday.

"We told everyone he was underdone and vulnerable with (steeplechase) trials and races being cancelled," said Johnston, who co-trains Tarawera with his wife Fran Houlahan.

"He will be a serious contender next time he jumps. We'll save him for the set weights plus penalties races.

"But full credit to Robbie (Laing). He's a great trainer and Vindicating is a great horse."