High Hopes For Miller Filly
16 February, 2018
Thoroughbred
Trainer Stephen Miller is excited to see how smart filly Cockatiel will handle a seven day back up at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, when she lines up in the Argonaut Corporate Advisors & Stockbrokers Plate (1200m).
On debut at Pinjarra in the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic last week, Cockatiel proved to be a surprise packet when she finished just over three lengths off Valour Road in third position.
The Galah filly faces another stern test tomorrow against a field which includes Assetro and Carolina Reaper, who have already recorded victories this season.
Miller said he had no hesitation in backing up the filly, and felt she would be able to improve off her debut performance.
“She ran an incredible race for her first start,” Miller told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.
“She was a bit new to it all, but I was really impressed.
“She hasn’t missed a beat since the run and I can’t see a reason why she shouldn’t run.”
Daniel Staeck retains the ride on Cockatiel on Saturday, where she has drawn barrier three for her second start.
Assetro, for the Adam Durrant stable, is a warm favourite at $1.45 with TABtouch, while Cockatiel is a $5 chance on the second line of betting.
Miller will also saddle up Penthes Pride in the $70,000 event, one of four debutants in the race, and said he had been waiting patiently to get the Frost Giant gelding to the track.
“After getting broken in he did a lot of bucking,” he said.
“He’s come through a pretty hard campaign and it was just to knock the edges off him.
“His last trial he did everything pretty well right.
“I just want to get him to the races.”
Meanwhile, Miller said WA and Belmont Guineas winner Variation could have a short Winter campaign, before returning for another shot at feature races during the TABtouch Masters later in the year.
Tim Walker