3 minute read
BELMONT PARK’S
1-LUKE FERNIE
If Luke Fernie needed validation from Iseered Iseered in the Nicopolis Stakes before plotting an Ascot feature carnival path then he got it. Arguably his peak performance this time in, offsetting extra weight from the Jolly Beggar Stakes and eliminating any 1200m doubt, the Safeguard gelding sat off them and travelled strongly to outlast the fast-finishing and heavily backed Crystal Spirit. From a Kalgoorlie maiden last October to his sixth win from 10 starts, the four-year-old has taken giant strides. Fernie can look forward to major sprint races at Ascot with a degree of optimism.
2-MICHAEL GRANTHAM
While Luke Fernie dreams of the Winterbottom Stakes with Iseered Iseered, another young gun from the training ranks, Michael Grantham, can set his sights on possibly the Railway Stakes with Kaptain Kaos. The stable flag bearer in Grantham's first year of training is building an imposing record and appears to be improving each time he steps out. He looks an absolute ripper and knows how to find the line, bringing up his second winning hat trick after jockey Chris Parnham circled the small field from last.
3-ADAM DURRANT
It's not often a cerise and white runner from the Bob Peters' team is sent out at almost double figure odds. Reliable Star got off to a dream start for her new stable when racing first-up since her 4th to Western Empire in the WA Derby in April and courtesy of a William Pike special, she railed along the inside to snatch a successful return victory by a short half head. The four-year-old mare gave Durrant the second leg of a double and the training honours after Snipillicious got the right bob earlier in race three.
4-SHAUN McGRUDDY
He's riding as well as ever with poise and confidence. He's consistency continued with a double after he had Mr Delegator and Sowar perfectly placed to launch with top cover runs.
5-FAR TOO STRONG
The three-year-old justified Lindsey Smith's decision to bypass Northam and go first-up into a Belmont mile race. He moved up stylishly before the turn, but hit a flat spot and appeared a spent force until Paul Harvey got very busy and helped him along. The son of All Too Hard is still very much green and raw and doing it on ability, but with two wins from four starts, there is a bit to like going forward.
6-DAN & BEN PEARCE
Dan and Ben Pearce's optimism in Probity after his maiden campaign was justified after the Demerit gelding scored an impressive first up win. After two placings in May, the three-year-old let down strongly to chase down War Gem and then stave off the challenge from race favourite Buzzoom. His maiden victory has Dan and Ben Pearce just one shy of 200 wins as a training partnership.
7-PAUL HARVEY
Harvey, who picked up the reins on Iseered Iseered at the beginning of his current campaign, has struck a productive alliance with him, combining for a third straight win in the Nicopolis Stakes. Earlier he played a key role in Far Too Strong getting up to score.
