Fernie has faith in Farooq ahead of 2025 Raconteur Stakes

Ripper Farooq is ready to give a bold account of himself in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Bunbury, according to trainer Luke Fernie, who maintains the gelding deserves his spot in the race.

The three-year-old brings a modest record of one victory and two minor placings from nine career starts but has earned black-type recognition, having run well in the Listed Supremacy Stakes (1000m) last season.

He returns to stakes level this weekend following a credible fourth-place finish behind Cosmic Eclipse at Pinjarra over 1300m.

New jockey Jade Mcnaught will partner the gelding from the inside draw, barrier one, for the first time on Saturday.

Fernie is unfazed by the long odds attached to Ripper Farooq’s name.

“He’s a good chance tomorrow,” Fernie told TAB radio.

“Barrier one is a big tick for him as well.

“If you look through his last start, the two horses that led, and he sat outside the leader, both dropped out the last 100.

“He’s come on from that run, which he definitely has to.”

Fernie expects his horse to be ridden positively from the good gate.

“He gets the opportunity to lead or sit behind the leaders in a race where there could be a decent enough tempo,” he said.

“He should get a nice run.

“Apart from his last start, his form this time in has been really good.”

The WA Guineas victor Storyville is the early favourite for the $125,000 feature, while Elite Missile, Pond Master, and Wind And The Lion are also well supported.

Fernie will also be represented by Desert Whisper in the Donnybrook Glass Handicap (1000m), where the filly will carry a light weight of 54kg.

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