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.