Luke Fernie is eager to see Sheeza Belter perform at Ascot on Saturday, three weeks after she showcased her exciting qualities with a stunning win on debut.
Ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, Sheeza Belter came with a barnstorming finish from near last and cruised to the line easily, winning by a soft 1 ½ lengths.
The two-year-old daughter of Gold Standard is second up for Luke Fernie and favourite in the Magic Millions Pate (1100m), tightening from $3.30 to $3.20.
Fernie can’t fault Sheeza Belter and said if anything, the promising juvenile had thrived and improved since posting her breathtaking win first up.
“She is really good, really good,” Fernie told Tabradio.
“The plan was to give her three weeks between runs and head her into the Magic Millions if she stays in one piece, which is happening at the moment.
“Her work has been super and I probably think she has matured a little bit from going to the races.”
In-form jockey Clint Johnston-Porter keeps the mount on Sheeza Belter and in a capacity field of 14 starters they combine from barrier five.
Fernie says with an improved jump he anticipates Sheeza Belter to race much handier than what she was able to produce on debut.
“She got squeezed out quite badly after she jumped in her first start, so if she can lob a little closer and add that to her armory when she races, she is going to be a really nice horse,” Fernie said.
Sheeza Belter leads a three-pronged attack for Fernie with Man Crush and No Whispering credible rivals.
Man Crush, drawn in gate 10, won the Magic Millions Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m) at his previous start in November.
No Whispering, a son of Snippetson, steps out for his first appearance after running second in a three horse trial over 400m.
Fernie is reluctant to compare his trio of runners.
“No Whispering is a nice horse and I have a bit of time for,” Fernie said.
“Dad (Peter) picked him out at the sales along with Man Crusher and they are both smart horses as well.
“All three are going to the races with live hopes I believe.”
Tabtouch has Man Crush at $10 and No Whispering is currently rated at $17.
Fernie is also upbeat over Spin The Knife’s claims in the Crown Perth Plate (1100m), the dominant $2.05 favourite.
The three-year-old won two of three races last campaign with his only defeat a head second to Liwa in the Crown Perth 3YO Classic (1000m) in October when he dipped at the start.
Spin The Knife, unbeaten when first up, carries 60.5kg for Mitchell Pateman and steps from gate five.
“I can’t wait to get him back to the track and obviously he is pretty exciting,” Fernie said.
“It looks a good race to kick him off and he is in fantastic nick.
“He hasn’t shown any signs of going ordinary and is ticking all the boxes.”
Fernie also said Miss Frost rates highly when she resumes in the Vale Dr Joe McDermott Handicap (1100m).