Fernie & Smith Hold Kalgoorlie Aces In Belmont Provincial Final

Posted on May 26, 2017May 26, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Peter Fernie and David Smith will be out to uphold Kalgoorlie pride when they do battle in the Skyracing.TV Provincial Championship Series Final (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday

Fernie’s hopes of victory rest with Rikki Tikki Tavi, It’s Dynamite and first emergency, Moment Of Pride, Smith will pin his faith in impressive last-start winner, Attamor.

Fernie has given punters a good lead by leaning to consistent galloper, Rikki Tikki Tavi, over stable mate, It’s Dynamite, after he drew favourably in barrier one.

It’s Dynamite has bragging rights after getting up to defeat Rikki Tikki Tavi in the last stride two weeks ago, but in a field of 16 she has drawn barrier 13.

Fernie is hoping Rikki Tikki Tavi can take full advantage of his inside position and continue a consistent patch of form since arriving to his stable.

The bay gelding has flourished under Fernie’s guidance and since last year has won two races and finished first three in nine of his 10 starts.

“He came to me in great order from Bob Turrell in Perth and I put his consistency down to enjoying the track and his new surroundings,” Fernie said.

“You can’t knock his consistency and since he has been with me he has finished no further back than fourth.

“My only concern if I have one is his non-winning record over 1400m, but he races like he will cover the ground.

“He certainly won’t have to be doing any work in running and should get the right run from an inside gate.

“It’s Dynamite will be saved for one final sprint and should be able to be in the moving line with cover.

“From the draw I would have to lean to Rikki Tikki Tavi.”

Rikki Tikki Tavi drops to 57kg and will be ridden by Mitchell Pateman. It’s Dynamite carries 53.5kg with the claim of apprentice Fred Kersley.

Meanwhile Smith gives Attamor a big show if the Trade Fair gelding can reproduce his dominant 1400m victory at Kalgoorlie last week.

After placings at his first two starts this preparation, Attamor ran through the line powerfully and beat President Grover by 1 ¼ lengths.

The six-year-old, drawn awkwardly in barrier 11, will be in the hands of in-form jockey, Dan Staeck.

“He will settle back from his position and it won’t be a major concern,” Smith said.

“I actually think the long Belmont Park straight will suit him

“He is in with genuine claims.”

Fernie is chasing his second success in the Skyracing.TV Provincial Championship after Wookah produced a sensational run from last in 2012.

Smith can etch his name to the family honour roll after his father, Cliff Smith, prepared Captain Zero to a narrow victory almost a decade ago.