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Another talented galloper, Slip The Jab, will only return under ideal circumstances after being withdrawn from a recent Bunbury engagement.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
Darley australia to host retired godolphin colts tentyris and observer
A pair of Godolphin colts, each with two Group 1 wins under their belts, have ended their track careers and will stand at stud with Darley later this year.The decision to retire Tentyris and Observer was made public on Monday, seeing them allocated to Darley Australia's separate venues.By Street Boss,...
Ciaron Maher eyes four entrants for VRC St Leger
The champion stayer trainer Ciaron Maher counts one horse already locked in for Saturday's Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington, but he is pushing for substantially more involvement in the key event.Among the 28 declarations for the $200,000 2800-metre race are Awesome Artist, Noble Falcon, Intervened, and Tasmanian Derby champion...
New Zealand's Confesara eyes victory in Australasian Oaks
The track record of Roger James in capturing Australian Group 1 events for three-year-old fillies goes all the way back to the beginning of the 2000s, and he seeks to add to that tally this coming Saturday.Teaming up with co-trainer Robert Wellwood, the Kiwi conditioner has entered Confesara for the...
Adelaide hosts Niance's campaign launch
Grahame Begg, the trainer, is travelling to Adelaide featuring his capable mare Niance, potentially opening doors to a Brisbane-focused campaign for the quick runner.Since Flemington lacks fitting sprint races for Niance on Saturday, Begg chooses the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) held at Morphettville.By chance, Flemington's Anzac Day schedule...
Cap Ferrat set for reunion with Williams in Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The top jockey Craig Williams seeks to conclude a demanding weekend on a high note with a Group 1 win in Hong Kong, reuniting with 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin come April 26.On Saturday, Williams boasts almost a...
Recon hands Carey elusive Hareeba Stakes success
Pat Carey, the hometown conditioner, has banished his Hareeba Stakes hoodoo after Recon unleashed a dazzling closing effort to take out the prize at Mornington.Carey had endured ongoing frustration in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m), pursuing a victory across several campaigns, notably second with Kelthorpe in 2006 and third via...
All Aged Stakes delivers Beiwacht's second elite victory
Hall of Fame conditioner Chris Waller's unbeaten autumn dominance in Sydney received a fitting finale from Godolphin's Beiwacht, who powered to a determined lead-all-the-way success versus a elite opposition in the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.In addition, Waller filled the first two...
Mornington Cup win gives Kings Valley direct entry to Caulfield Cup
Kings Valley, under the guidance of trainer Ciaron Maher, has clinched a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup courtesy of a gritty performance at Mornington.The Listed Mornington Cup conquest on Saturday delivers the 'Golden Ticket' access to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.Maher notched his second Mornington...
Pride stable trifecta topped by Mazu in Hall Mark Stakes
At eight years old, the exceptional Mazu maintains his sharp turn of foot and zest for competition, setting the tempo wire-to-wire for his third consecutive triumph in Saturday's Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).Previously, Pride's star had mastered the Hall Mark on rain-affected surfaces where he excels, but facing...
Waller's record Sydney autumn run ends with Fireball edging Champagne Stakes
Chris Waller, the celebrated Hall of Fame trainer, notched a historic Sydney Saturday Group 1 sweep as Fireball got the better of stable companion Campione D'Italia in Saturday's $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.The autumn carnival's eighth straight (and last) Sydney Saturday of Group 1 races saw Waller...