Brian Kersley has been handed the reins as head trainer of Loloma Farms and he is looking to kick start his new venture in the best possible manner by taking out one of Kalgoorlie’s iconic races: the Hahn Electrical-Coolgardie Cup (1760m) on Sunday.
And holding Kersley’s faith against a field of 12 rivals in the $100,000 feature is Dabang. The He’s A Decoy mare maintains a consistent record, races well fresh and with her on pace pattern of racing she seems ideally suited to Kalgoorlie’s track conditions.
Kersley is optimistic and believes Dabang, placed twice from two first up attempts, is perfectly poised and ready to strike first up this campaign after rounding out her preparations with two 1200m trial wins at Belmont Park.
“She is a lovely mare and it’s nice to have the opportunity,” said Kersley.
“Her two trials were exactly what I expected.
“She still maintains residual fitness from her last campaign.
“Her pattern of racing will suit Kalgoorlie and that’s a key reason I have targeted this race.
“I very happy with where she is at leading in to her return.”
Dabang, who has not raced since May, is on the 55kg minimum. She has drawn perfectly in barrier four for gun apprentice, Jordan Turner.
The pair have built up a strong partnership in recent months and last year combined to score a career-best win in the Narrogin Cup (1900m).
Turner can end the week on a spectacular high after he was crowned Most Promising Junior Rider and shared the Leading Country Rider with Clint Johnston-Porter at the Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Apprentice awards on Monday night.
“Jordan gets on really well with the horse and understands him as well as anyone,” said Kersley.
“He has a stack of ability and I had no hesitation in placing my trust in him.
“He is a real credit to his family and I would love nothing better than to stand up and receive the trophy with Jordan on Sunday.”
Turner can join Jessica Hill as the previous apprentice to win the Coolgardie Cup. Hill rode Chenille Prince for trainer, Dennis Ramsay, in 2006.
Julio Santarelli