Trainer Luke Fernie is feeling optimistic about Wild Belle’s return in the Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Pinjarra, despite her underwhelming form last campaign.
After capturing Listed victories in the Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m) and Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) early last year, Wild Belle’s performances tapered off, struggling in subsequent starts including the Quokka (1200m) and two Group 3 Melbourne contests.
Fernie remains confident that the five-year-old mare has turned a corner heading into Saturday’s feature sprint.
“She wouldn’t be going to the races if she wasn’t where she needed to be,” Fernie said on Tabradio.
“We’ve always had the train of thought that she would be a horse that once she gets her toe into the ground, she’d appreciate it.”
“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.”
Wild Belle hasn’t raced since the Furphy Sprint eight months ago, but Fernie says she’s more than ready.
“We trotted her up in front of the vets the other day and they said it was the soundest they’ve seen her moving,” he added.
“She’s done nearly 16 weeks in work. I don’t think fitness will be an issue.”
Rated a $13 chance, she jumps from barrier three under Chris Parnham. While Pinjarra’s inside draws can be tricky, Fernie is unbothered.
“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,” he said.
Race favourite Repossession has been backed from $2.80 to $2.30, while Toropa has also firmed significantly. Final Siren remains a solid option at $7.50.
Betting on the Beaufine Stakes? Compare odds and top Aussie betting sites at justhorseracing.com.au.