Luke Fernie has full confidence in Ripper Farooq’s chances heading into the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Bunbury, dismissing any suggestion the gelding is just there to fill the numbers.

Although Ripper Farooq has just one win and two placings from nine starts, he’s already proven his quality with a black-type placing in last year’s Listed Supremacy Stakes (1000m).

His most recent run was a fourth-place effort over 1300m at Pinjarra, finishing just behind the winner Cosmic Eclipse.

Jockey Jade Mcnaught takes the ride for the first time on Saturday, with Ripper Farooq to jump from gate one.

Despite being the longest-priced runner in the field, Fernie insists he’s not to be underestimated.

“He’s a good chance tomorrow,” Fernie told TAB radio.

“Barrier one is a big tick for him as well.

“If you look through his last start, the two horses that led, and he sat outside the leader, both dropped out the last 100.

“He’s come on from that run, which he definitely has to.”

Fernie added that the inside draw allows flexibility with tactics.

“He gets the opportunity to lead or sit behind the leaders in a race where there could be a decent enough tempo,” he said.

“He should get a nice run.

“Apart from his last start, his form this time in has been really good.”

WA Guineas winner Storyville heads the betting for the $125,000 contest, followed by Elite Missile ($5.50), Pond Master ($8), and Wind And The Lion ($8.50).

Earlier on the card, Fernie also saddles Desert Whisper in the Donnybrook Glass Handicap (1000m), with the filly to benefit from a light weight of 54kg.

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