The threat to the future of jumps racing has gathered strength with the death of a runner in the steeplechase at Sandown on Wednesday.

Scenic Buzz, a moderately performed galloper on the flat, fell at the last fence in the April 27 Steeple (3300m) and suffered a neck injury and was euthanased.

The incident comes at a difficult time for the sport that has faced concerted opposition for several seasons and is operating under a plan designed to limit the dangers to horses.

The race went to Gravitas ($9) who led for much of the way and scored by 2-1/4 lengths from the favourite Tigeriffic ($1.95) with another 1-1/2 lengths to Show Dancer ($41) in third.

Along with Xaar Best who caused a minor upset in the MRCtracknews Hurdle (3300m), Gravitas is on target for next month's Warrnambool carnival with the Brierley Steeplechase his target.

Xaar Best turned in a strong effort to beat the odds-on favourite and last year's Grand National Hurdle Brungle Cry.

For trainer Mark Stephenson and jockey Gavin Bedggood, the win was a reward for the consistency Xaar Best has displayed since turning to jumping.

"She's really starting to put it together, learning to harness her energy," said Bedggood.

The Galleywood Hurdle is Xaar Best's Warrnambool goal while Brungle Cry, who is generally regarded as Victoria's best young jumper, now being considered for a return to the flat in the Warrnambool Cup (2400m).

"He's in the Galleywood, but I'm not sure what we'll do," said trainer Robert Smerdon.

"He won well on the flat here a couple of weeks ago and it may be that he's better suited in the Cup at this stage."