Luke Fernie was rapt with the run of Devoted in Melbourne on Saturday, driving ambitious Ascot carnival plans later this year.
The Perth-owned six-year-old turned up for his Flemington challenge with a second placing behind Gentleman Roy in a 1410m handicap.
Currently under the care of the Hayes brothers, Ben, JD and Will, Luke Fernie purchased Devoted for $105,000 in an online sale in June.
Devoted started his racing journey for Grant and Alana Williams and ran third in the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) three years ago.
Transferred to Michael Grantham, he claimed dual Listed wins in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m).
A move to Victoria started brightly under new trainer, John Leek Jnr, but after one win and a second at Caulfield, he ran without success at his next five starts.
Devoted had a delayed start to his new Victorian venture after an elevated temperature kept him out two weeks back, but Fernie was thrilled with his return.
"I was over the moon," Fernie said to Racing WA.
"Three deep is not ideal, but he was in a good rhythm.
"He seemed fluid enough.
"I was over the moon with him."
Fernie is unsure on what path Devoted will take in Melbourne but has identified two major races in Perth as his ultimate goal.
"We can leave him there and he races through the spring," Fernie said.
"There's possibly a 1600m in two weeks that he might go to.
"I've got a feeling he is a 1400m fresh horse, that's my gut feel.
"There are plenty of options in Melbourne, but it will either be a Railway or a Goldrush, he'll be back for one of those two races.
"It's just a matter of how many runs before that."
Fernie is very much looking forward to the long-awaited return of classy six-year-old Otheroneson at Belmont on Saturday.
The lightly raced son of Demerit has four wins and three seconds from eight starts but has been off the scene for two years.
Otheroneson is ready to resume after a soft trial win last month, going to the line unextended without much pressure.
"He's pretty special, it just depends on how well he comes back," Fernie said.
"He's had a long time off but could be back for a Railway if all goes to plan."
Fernie said Ripcord's eastern states aspirations will get into full swing next month.
The four-year-old underlined his class last year when third in the Group 1 Winterbottom (1200m) and second in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m).
"We'll trial Ripcord on September 19 and he'll have his first start in either Melbourne or Sydney on the 5th of October," Fernie said.
