Durable sprinter Man Crush has booked his spot in next month’s $1 million Develop Golden Saddle (1200m) at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club.
The son of Manhattan Rain, trained by Kalgoorlie local Luke Fernie, the gelding is confirmed to represent the Bowden/Tohpan/Leahy slot.
Luke was happy with the announcement of Man Crush, joining stable mates Bravo Centurion and Storm Chaser in the richest regional slot race on his home track.
“Every provincial country town thrives on race meetings like the race round, it’s exciting to be part of it – we need to keep pumping it up and make it a good turn out each year,” Luke said.
“Man Crush is well credentialed, he’s got a lot of potential and he’s beaten a lot of the horses he’ll be competing against.
“He will go a lot better once he gets on top of the dry track, Kalgoorlie will suit him well.”
The 6-year-old sprinter, owned and managed by Peter Fernie, has shown his longevity by amassing over $800,000 in prizemoney, making a name for himself in some of WA’s top feature sprints including the Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m) and the Nicopolis Stakes (1200m).
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club CEO Craig Smith said he is looking forward to the buzz that the race round brings.
“The excitement is really building for the inaugural Develop Golden Saddle to sit alongside the Ron Sayers Sprint and Kalgoorlie Cup,” Craig said.
“The field is already looking strong, especially with the addition of Man Crush – a horse the locals know well.”
“Kalgoorlie racing is a celebration of the community, the region and the spirit of the Goldfields. The Golden Saddle is fantastic opportunity to showcase what Kalgoorlie-Boulder can deliver.”
Man Crush will join a field headed by Magnificent Andy ($3 TABtouch favourite), with Bravo Centurion ($5), Shmoov Moova ($6) and Twain’s Angel ($6) among the other leading chances.
The Goldfields-Esperance region contributes $54.5 million annually towards the WA economy, with the Golden Saddle set to deliver another boost to the local economy.
Josh Miller