Luke Fernie’s Bid For Biggest Win
Luke Fernie thinks he has a massive task to win the Amelia Park Karrakatta Plate (1200m), but he’s thrilled to have a runner in the $500,000 sprint for the babies.
Fernie will have his first attempt at winning the Karrakatta Plate and the biggest race of his fledgling training career when he saddles up Our Danni at Ascot on Saturday.
It’s a defining moment for Fernie who has made a successful transition to Perth racing after making the big move to leave his hometown in Kalgoorlie last year.
“I’m delighted to have a chance of winning the Karrakatta Plate,” Fernie told The Races WA.
“When I made the move from Kalgoorlie I would have been happy with just one Ascot win.
“The move has gone well and I have had a lot of support from good people, but preparing two-year-olds has been a challenge.
“They are so unpredictable and there are so many things that can wrong.
“It’s not as easy as it looks and you have to find a system that works best for you and stick to it.
“I had four gallopers nominated for the Karrakatta Plate and am left with one, that tells you how tough it is.”
Our Danni came to Fernie after she ran second to Starfield Impact in last year’s Crystal Slipper when under the care of Dion Luciani.
But aside from a first-up third behind Watch Me Dance in February, it has been a bumpy road for the All American filly.
In the Supremacy Stakes (1000m) she was kicked in the mounting yard by another runner before running seventh.
Last-start in the Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) she was trapped wide throughout and had no impact finishing ninth.
Fernie said he has adopted a change of tactics in a bid to revive Our Danni’s best form.
“I’ve gone back to basics and she will race without the blinkers,” Fernie said.
“I’ve also backed off and not worked her as hard on the track.
“If you go on her work you would think she couldn’t be beaten.
“She is laden with ability, but it’s a matter of getting her to do that on race day.”
Our Danni was given no favours by the barrier gods after coming up with gate 12 in the field of 14. Lucy Warwick keeps the ride.
Usually an on-pace runner, Fernie said Our Danni won’t be going forward in the Karrakatta Plate.
“She will go back from the draw and be ridden cold,” Fernie said.
“We may as well try something different and hope for some luck.”
Our Danni is rated a $23 chance with Tabtouch.
Julio Santarelli.