Trainer Luke Fernie Confident in Russian To The Bar Ahead of Belmont Guineas
Trainer Luke Fernie is not underestimating his classy gelding Russian To The Bar in the upcoming $125,000 Amelia Park-Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Belmont Park this Saturday. Despite the horse’s wide draw, sharp rise in distance, and record on rain-affected ground, Fernie believes the Listed Belmont Guineas is a winnable race for Russian To The Bar.
Opting to bypass the Raconteur Stakes (1400m), Fernie expects to see an improved performance from his three-year-old, who finished 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. “He could have gone to the 1400m (Raconteur) the other day, but I didn’t want to give him a real big gut buster.”
Fernie holds supreme faith in Russian To The Bar, a Dawson Stud home-bred son of Russian Revolution. The horse’s 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, also retired after a successful career, earning over $1.5 million in prizemoney.
Earlier this year, Russian To The Bar created a huge impression, reeling off four straight wins, including the Listed Challenge (1500m) and Lex Piper Stakes (1600m). Fernie believes the horse’s star is on the rise, stating, “He’s going to be a summer carnival horse. 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.”
From barrier 14, Russian To The Bar will be ridden by Brad Parnham, who won the 2017 Belmont Guineas aboard Variation. Parnham takes over the ride from younger brother, Chris, who will partner current second-favorite, The Boss Lady, in this year’s edition of the race.
🔗 Source