Fernandina emerged as a serious Caulfield Guineas chance when his jockey Vlad Duric guided him to victory in one of the most uncomfortable race rides of his career at Caulfield.The Desert Sun three-year-old went into the Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) as a $26 outsider but was impressive under difficult circumstances beating Time Thief by a neck, with Golden Slipper runner-up Von Costa De Hero another 1-1/4 lengths away third.Duric said the victory was full of merit as his saddle

Fernandina emerged as a serious Caulfield Guineas chance when his jockey Vlad Duric guided him to victory in one of the most uncomfortable race rides of his career at Caulfield.

The Desert Sun three-year-old went into the Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) as a $26 outsider but was impressive under difficult circumstances beating Time Thief by a neck, with Golden Slipper runner-up Von Costa De Hero another 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Duric said the victory was full of merit as his saddle slipped soon after the start.

"I was sort of side saddle on him the whole race," Duric said.

"He jumped out the barrier that quickly he went inwards and when I put all my weight on his off side the saddle shifted.

"I was uncomfortable the whole way and was lucky it didn't move anymore.

"I just sat as quietly as I could and it got me through."

Duric said that despite the inconvenience Fernandina travelled well through the race and after getting him cover off the speed he had plenty to give in the straight.

"We have never ridden him like that before but he relaxed pretty good with the cover and was very strong on the line," Duric said.

"Ridden the same way he has got to be a super chance in the Guineas."

Corstens said he would now rely on Fernandina to represent the stable in the Guineas after stablemate Saranda finished last in the Prelude.

He said Saranda had maturity issues and he would now recommend the Helenus colt be gelded.

"Fernandina always works well and is a nice strong horse whereas, to me, Saranda is six months away and still growing," Corstens said.

Corstens is chasing his second Caulfield Guineas win after Helenus won for him in 2002.

Time Thief was gallant in defeat and undoubtedly the wide gate affected his chances.

Trainers Mick Price and Mark Kavanagh were dismissive of the respective runs of Lord Tavistock (fourth) and Whobegotyou (seventh) respectively on a track which seemingly favoured runners near the pace.