Gary Bowen is confident stable newcomer Fireside can deliver immediate success when she contests the Skyracing TV-Provincial Championship Series Heat (1100m) at Kalgoorlie on Thursday.
Fireside, a winner of three races from her 16 starts when under the care of Gino Poletti and Ross and Clint Price, steps out for her maiden Kalgoorlie appearance.
The daughter of Hurricane Sky hasn’t raced since fighting out a close contest with Money For Cash at Pinjarra on March 8 when only a head separated the pair
That form was franked at Ascot last weekend when Money For Cash flashed home for an eye-catching second to Solsay.
“I was taken by her run behind Money For Cash as she was slow away and got further back than anticipated,” said Bowen.
“She’s only been with me for about three weeks but I’ve been impressed by what I have seen.
‘She looks great and worked brilliantly earlier in the week.
“With the claim of Rayce Nielsen she gets in well at the weights, has drawn well in barrier four and I can see no reason why she won’t be competitive.”
Ain’t No Saint displayed improved form last fortnight and trainer Merv Dellar is hopeful of further improvement in the Radio West Handicap (1200m).
The Danetime gelding ran sixth of 11, beaten 3 ¾ lengths, after running on from eighth on the corner to Arachnid.
Ain’t No Saint was resuming on his home track after enduring a torrid summer campaign in Perth when he finished well back in each of his three runs.
“Things just didn’t go his way in Perth but I thought there positive signs the other day,” said Dellar.
“That was his first hit out in a month and he just peaked on his run
“From his draw he will go back but if we get top end speed he can come over the top.
“Danterina looks the likely pace setter and I’m hoping she doesn’t get her own way in front because she will prove hard to run down.”
Star Trader staked his claim for the Wake Up With Glenney On Radio West Maiden (1100m) with a solid trial win over 1000m on March 31.
The Flying Spur gelding, previously with high profile trainer Grant Williams, entered Dellar’s team late last season and was placed a creditable seventh in his only run.
“He drew wide, sat back and was spent by the furlong and on reflection he was slightly underdone at his first start in three months,” said Dellar.
“The trial win was encouraging and there will be no excuses offered if he doesn’t run well.”
Miss Baton Rouge can end Dellar’s meeting on a bright note when she resumes for her first appearance of the season in the MBE McClure Accounting Services Handicap (1100m).
“She received a knock earlier which forced her to miss some work and I’m concerned she might be underdone first up,” said Dellar.
“But I have a good opinion of this horse and when fully fit she will more than handy.”