Presumably, you believe that you can discern steeplechase ability just by watching them hurdle? Pat yourself on the back. With over 45 years of observation and/or participation in the event, I've never been able to come to that conclusion. But you can?
The only way to determine whether or not a runner has potential in the steeplechase is for them to actually run the event. Brandon Bethke had the desire and determination needed. He was also an excellent hurdler. He was tested many times. Jerry Schumacher thinks Bethke could be a steeplechaser. All the metrics say so. I'd be willing to bet that you would too. Only one thing -- he sucked in the steeplechase. Like really sucked.
The steeplechase is a funny event. "Ev'rybody funny, now you funny too."