MOREE trainer Doug Fernando has a busy “first-up” day at the office on Tuesday, when he saddles three runners at Moree Race Club’s winter TAB meeting.
Fernando starts Nikolai in the 1200m Racing Mates Maiden Handicap as well as Horeb in the 950m My Moree Maiden Plate and The Light Fandango in the 1200m August 31 Moree Cup BM-58 Handicap.
Fernando’s three runners are all resuming from lay-offs after transferring from other stables – and the trainer reckons that just might give them an edge.
“I’m still learning about all three of them, and it’s ideal they’re all having their first start for me on their home track – that’s one advantage we’ve got up our sleeve, I think,” Fernando said.
Nikolai, owned by well-known local racing legend Barry Haddad – of Tolanda fame – and his sons Matthew and Mark, was formerly trained by Peter Sinclair.
Three-year-old filly Horeb comes to Fernando from Victorian trainers David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins and The Light Fandango, a nicely-bred six-year-old mare by Warhorse, was formerly with Jordan Lee at Ballina.
“Nikolai has been coming along really good and hit the line strongly in his track gallop on Friday,” Fernando said.
“I just want the horse to do well for Barry and the boys. They’ve put their confidence in me as a trainer, and if owners are good enough to give me a go, I want to return the favour and get the results for them,” he said.
Nikolai underwent a tie-back operation and hasn’t raced since July last year. On Tuesday, he’ll be ridden by Jake Pracey-Holmes.
“I’ve watched a couple of his runs and he’s the sort of horse that wants to get out and charge early,” Fernando said.
“I think Jake will suit him. If Jake gets him out and tracks in behind them, and doesn’t let him overdo it too early, he can have the last crack at them. On his work, he’ll go all right.”
Fernando has booked Billy Cray to ride Horeb and The Light Fandango.
“I took Horeb to Armidale on Anzac Day but she was scratched at the barriers, and had to trial before racing again,” Fernando said.
Horeb trialled at Gunnedah on May 14, with Cray on board, and was beaten nearly five lengths by Annabel and Rob Archibald’s Krulisa.
“Billy said she did everything right. She’s only a small horse, but has been working well and is on the improve,” Fernando said.
Fernando said The Light Fandango is a bit of a handful, but racing at home with no travel will be an advantage.
“She’s a little bit flighty, and I don’t want her to run her race before she goes out on the track,” Fernando said.
“She’s in the last race, so she can stay at the stables nearly all day before heading to the tie-ups.
“She’s had a few gallops and is doing everything right, and I expect her to run OK,” he said.
As at 7.30am, Monday, June 2, the Moree track was rated a Soft 6, with overnight rain and showers – up to 10mm – predicted for Monday night and into Tuesday.
Moree TAB winter race meeting
When: Tuesday, June 3
Where: Moree racecourse
Time: From around midday. First of seven races to jump at 12.55pm
