Luke Fernie has the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) in his sights for a second time after Man Crush cruised to a comfortable 2 ½ length victory a year ago.
And punters are right behind Stormchaser following a similar trajectory, backing the Impending gelding from $2.20 to $1.85 favouritism with Tabtouch.
Fernie believes race fitness played a role in Stormchaser’s close defeat in the WA Breeders’ Classic at Bunbury last Saturday week ago.
A month after posting the third win of his campaign, Stormchaser was headed by Petula in the shadows of the post and ran second.
Pleased with Stormchaser’s work since the Breeders’ 14-days ago, Fernie is confident the three-year-old will live up to his market rating.
“He’s come on from his last run really well, the trainer has done a better job this time around,” Fernie said on Tabradio.
“I’ve got him a bit fitter than what he was at Bunbury, he looked tubby and it showed.
“He didn’t let down as well as he can do and I’m hoping we can go one better than what we did the other day.
“He’s tightened up plenty since the run and his work on Tuesday was super.”
Although he rates Stormchaser as a high class prospect in the Magic Millions, Fernie has a cautionary note for favourite backers.
To be ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, Stormchaser jumps from barrier one and Fernie concedes that could be a bit awkward.
“There always has to be a little bit of a concern,” Fernie said.
“He can be a bit slow out when he wants to be.
“But, I’m pretty sure he’s on top of his game.
“It’s Clint’s job and he rides super, I’m not too stressed where he gets in the run.
“Hopefully he gets the breaks and everything goes his way.”
As confident and upbeat as Fernie is with Stormchaser, his assessment of Big Shots in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic is not far behind.
Unbeaten Golden Vale from the Simon Miller stable is all the rage as hot favourite, but Fernie says he can make a case for Big Shots causing an upset.
He points to Big Shot’s last-start second to Glasgow Lass, an ultra-impressive filly who showed above average ability when scoring easily on debut.
“He’s quality and I really like this horse,” Fernie said.
“He’s had excuses most of the time he’s been out to the races.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) should be a suitable race; there’s good tempo and he should sit off them.
“I’ve put the visors on him and he’s worked a lot better with them than any time before.
“I’m pretty confident he can run a massive race tomorrow (Saturday).”
Big Shots is currently rated a $10 chance. Golden Vale the $2.05 favourite.
Big Shots has drawn barrier 8 for Chris Parnham and can give Fernie his second win in the restricted Listed race after Sheeza Belter’s triumph two years ago.