Trainer Luke Fernie hopes to crush 2025 Bolton Sprint rivals
Trainer Luke Fernie is set to unleash Man Crush this weekend in the Listed Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Bunbury, kicking off his latest preparation after a consistent summer-autumn campaign.
The five-year-old made a statement early in the year by winning the Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m) and followed up with game runner-up efforts in both the Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m) and Pinjarra Classic (1300m).
After finishing midfield in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m), Man Crush was given a freshen-up. He returned to trial at Belmont last week, coasting to fourth in a 1000m heat behind stablemate Otheronesone, with jockey Chris Parnham keeping him under a firm hold.
Fernie is banking on the addition of blinkers to provide the spark Man Crush needs to perform first-up. “He’ll definitely sharpen up with them on,” Fernie said. “That trial was more of a blowout. He’s ready to go this weekend.”
While Man Crush continues toward the million-dollar mark in earnings, Wild Belle’s racing career has drawn to a close. The Pride Of Dubai mare retires with notable wins including the Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m) and Rock Magic Stakes (1000m).
“She’s happy and sound, but it’s time for her to start a new chapter as a broodmare,” Fernie said.
Another talented galloper, Slip The Jab, will only return under ideal circumstances after being withdrawn from a recent Bunbury engagement. Fernie remains cautious after a tough debut and is focused on placing him carefully.
“He’s a quality horse with plenty of upside, but there’s no rush,” Fernie said. “We’ll wait for the right opportunity.”
Thinking of having a flutter on the Bolton Sprint? Be sure to check out the top-rated Australian betting sites at this link.
More Racing News
Cosmic Crusader set for Victorian debut in Bletchingly Stakes
Trainer Andrea Leek is yet to pinpoint the exact spring campaign for Cosmic Crusader, but she is anticipating his racecourse return this Saturday.The Group 1-winning Western Australian gelding is scheduled to make his Victorian racing debut in the $200,000 Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes, a 1200m contest at Caulfield.This five-year-old entire,...
Randwick trials see Waller's stars return
A significant contingent of Chris Waller's established racehorses, prominently featuring the acclaimed mare Autumn Glow, commenced their spring preparations at Randwick on Monday morning.The initial three trials, all conducted over 900 metres on the Kensington track following a postponement from Friday due to wet conditions, showcased numerous Group 1 winners...
Concord Connie eyes Victorian Group 1 success
Charlotte Littlefield, the Pakenham-based trainer, is opting against chasing substantial prize money in interstate races with Concord Connie, focusing instead on securing a Group 1 win within Victoria.The exciting mare, Concord Connie, has undergone four weeks of preparation and is being readied for her return, with the Group 1 Empire...
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...