Patronize is primed for a career-high season with a host of black-type hopefuls in work for the spring and summer carnivals.

Stationed at Darling View Thoroughbreds in Mundijong, he finished fourth on the WA sires’ ladder last season with 76 wins for prizemoney over $2.47 million.

Patronize sprinter Little Fish put his name in the frame for a Goldfields campaign with a courageous front-running victory in the Crown Perth Hcp (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday. He fought off the late closers for a half-head win over Wanna Be Good (Bel Esprit) and Trakiato (Toorak Toff).

Trainer Peter Fernie will consider setting Little Fish for the LR Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) in Kalgoorlie on October 3. “He’s a little ripper but can’t even do evens at trackwork,” Fernie revealed. “He’s so laid-back and was waiting for them half-way down the straight today.

“The Hannans is there but it all depends on the ratings. We can’t afford to go there if it ruins his career.”

Little Fish is a homebred for Andrew Inglis and is the first foal from Red Fish Blue Fish (Blackfriars) who won 10 races in Kal. She is related to LR Detonator Stakes winner Lambton Castle (Blackfriars) and has a 2yo colt named Big Fish (All American) and a yearling filly by Vert De Grece (Ire).

Meanwhile, Patronize 4yo Fred Dag is having a short break following a running double at Belmont last month. Trainer Bruce Watkins has designs in the G3 R J Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot on November 16.

Fred Dag was the leading earner by Patronize in 2018-19 with prizemoney of $261,350. He’s owned by Liz Watkins in partnership with Namerik Thoroughbreds breeder Alan Bansemer who took the colt home to Serpentine after bidding stalled at $24,000 during the 2017 Perth Magic Millions.

Promising 3yo Mia Dolce was another Patronize to run up a Belmont double in July and she will target the LR Belgravia Stakes and LR Burgess Queen Stakes. Rookie conditioner Jayce Buckley owns a share in the filly with Gil Cianciosi and reports she’s a dream to train.

“I always liked the Patronizes because they are so versatile,” he said. “She’s a phenomenal filly and doesn’t miss a trick. She gets bored and sour if she’s out of the stable for longer than a couple of weeks.”

Patronize 4yo Chix Pic can land another stakes win this prep despite a recent lull in form. He won the LR Perth Stakes at two and Bunbury Classic at three for trainer David Harrison and a large ladies syndicate.

Bred and sold by Darling View Thoroughbreds for $40,000 through the Western Breeders’ Alliance consignment to the 2017 Perth Magic Millions, he is one of 87 individual winners by Patronize whose strike-rate is phenomenal 68%.

Patronize (Redoute’s Choice) stands at a $4,400 fee at Darling View alongside Lucky Street (Oratorio) who is available for $5,500.

PATRONIZE