Luke Fernie cautions punters ahead of Belmont Guineas
Trainer Luke Fernie has cautioned punters not to underestimate his classy gelding Russian To The Bar in the $125,000 Amelia Park-Belmont Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.
Despite a wide draw, rising sharply in distance and his record on rain affected ground, Luke Fernie says the Listed Belmont Guineas is a winnable race for Russian To The Bar.
Opting to bypass the Raconteur Stakes (1400m), Fernie expects to see a better version of his three-year-old after he ran sixth of seven to Yonga Lass when resuming over 1000m two weeks ago.
“He’s going super and just the 1000 metres for him nowadays is just a bit too short,” Fernie said to The Races WA.
“He could have gone to the 1400m (Raconteur) the other day, but I didn’t want to give him a real big gut buster.
“But he’s going good, looks good and his work on Tuesday with an open class sprinter was super.
“It’s going to be a bit of an ask and the draw makes it hard, but I’m pretty confident he has the ability to get the job done.
“He’s definitely going to be thereabouts, for sure.”
Fernie holds supreme faith in Russian To The Bar, a Dawson Stud home bred and son of Russian Revolution.
His dam, Rosie Rocket, won the Listed Starstruck (1600m)-La Trice (1800m) double and ran third in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).
Russian To The Bar’s older half-sister, Kissonallforcheeks, retired after winning a hat trick of group races and $1.5 million in earnings.
Russian To The Bar created a huge impression earlier this year when he reeled off four straight wins, headlined by the Listed Challenge (1500m) and Lex Piper Stakes (1600m).
Fernie believes Russian To The Bar’s star is on the rise.
“He’s going to be a summer carnival horse,” Fernie said.
“He’s a proper horse who will be winning races over the carnival.
“If it doesn’t happen on the weekend it’s not the end of the world.
“I know I’ve got a good horse regardless, it’s exciting.”
Russian To The Bar is currently priced $11 with betting apps.
From barrier 14 he will be ridden by Brad Parnham.
Parnham won the 2017 edition of the Belmont Guineas aboard, Variation.
He takes over on Russian To The Bar from younger brother, Chris, who partners current second favourite, The Boss Lady.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...