Fernie is Wild about Belle in the 2025 Beaufine Stakes

Luke Fernie is backing Wild Belle to run a bold race first-up in the Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Pinjarra, with the stable confident the mare is back to her best.

Although her recent form line shows unplaced efforts in the Quokka (1200m) and Melbourne Group races, Fernie believes Wild Belle is primed to bounce back.

“She wouldn’t be going to the races if she wasn’t where she needed to be,” Fernie said on Tabradio.

“Her work behind the scenes on a soft track and even a heavy track has been much superior to what it was when she was flying before.”

“We trotted her up in front of the vets the other day and they said it was the soundest they’ve seen her moving.”

The five-year-old resumes without a trial, but Fernie says her 16-week prep has her ready to go.

“I don’t think fitness will be an issue,” he said.

Wild Belle has drawn gate three and will be ridden by Chris Parnham, whose previous win in the Beaufine came in 2019.

“You sort of screw your face up every time you draw the inside down the Pinjarra straight, but it doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue at the minute,” Fernie added.

Repossession heads the market, firming into $2.30. Toropa and Final Siren are other leading hopes.

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