Trainer Luke Fernie says Bravo Centurion will be leaving nothing left to chance in tomorrow’s PKF-Roma Cup (1100m) at Ascot.
Bravo Centurion’s chances of securing one of the two remaining slots in the Kia-Quokka (1200m) are reliant on a bold showing in tomorrow’s Weight-For-Age event.
Fernie said he expected Bravo Centurion would cross to the fence and lead from the outside draw.
“We’ve put the visors on him tomorrow to sharpen him up a little bit,” Fernie told TABradio.
“Going forward we will try and find the fence as often as we can.
“I’d be very surprised if he didn’t find the rail tomorrow.
“Something would have gone drastically wrong if he didn’t.”
Bravo Centurion was forced to breeze outside of Ginnivan in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) last month.
The four-year-old was run down in the concluding stages by Jokers Grin and Keep Reading.
It was the first time in six starts Bravo Centurion tasted defeat over 1000m.
Fernie said while it was a sobering defeat, he was full of admiration for Jokers Grin.
“We were probably a little bit disappointed,” he said.
“Being realistic, they are pretty good horses you’re racing against.
“He was sensational the other day, Jokers Grin.
“I knew he was a good horse, but he probably stamped himself as a proper animal.
“He’s probably the one to beat I’d imagine.”
Jokers Grin is the $2.45 favourite with TABtouch for the Group 3 event, with Bluff Knoll winner Rope Them In on the second line of betting at $5.
Bravo Centurion, to be ridden by Jarrad Noske, is a $9 chance.
Only Magic Bloodstock and Peters’ Investments are yet to select a runner in their slots for the Quokka on April 26.
Meanwhile, Fernie nominated Just Too Fly as his best chance in tomorrow’s Listed-Perth Stakes (1100m).
Fernie will also be represented by Kings Court, Capitola, Bold Flight and Chompin At The Bit in the two-year-old feature.
Tim Walker
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