Cup Night’s Rise To Continue In Pinjarra Classic

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Thoroughbred

Bernie Miller’s high regard for Cup Night can be further strengthened when the talented four-year-old aims for the second-leg of a feature race double at Pinjarra on Sunday.

Three weeks after storming home from last to blitz the Scenic Blast Stakes field by 2 ¼ lengths, Cup Night is favourite to win the Listed Pinjarra Classic (1200m).

“He is up and going and pretty strong,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“He hasn’t taken a backward step.”

Miller has never hidden his admiration for Cup Night and has been steadfast in taking a cautious approach with the son of Maschino.

Cup Night flashed Ascot carnival potential last year when he won back-to-back races over 1400m, but Miller elected to bypass the bigger races.

After finishing runner-up to Tellem We’re Comin in the Northam Cup (1600m) in October, Cup Night spelled before resuming in the Scenic Blast.

Miller said Cup Night’s performance to win from last over the highly-rated Valour Road in the Scenic Blast, revealed a new insight into his galloper.

“The trial before showed us he had a gear we hadn’t seen before,” Miller said.

“He took it into the race (Scenic Blast) and the way he went past a field of really nice horses really made us think that yeah we do have something pretty special on our hands.

“In the early days, he used to charge through the bridle a lot and bring himself undone, but even in his work he is relaxing.

“He is not excelling any energy that he doesn’t need to use until the right time.

“It’s all maturing in the head and the body.”

Miller says the Pinjarra Classic will be another good test for Cup Night with Tellem We’re Comin, Free Trade and Dance Music also holding good claims.

Miller said he is looking forward to Cup Night responding to the challenge.

“This is a better field for sure,” Miller said.

“It’s a super test and I love competition

“The three weeks suits the horse as we can back off a little bit and tune him right up for it.

“If he runs like we think he will it will tick a few more boxes.

“We can be confident of putting him where we want to after that.”

Cup Night has drawn barrier six and will be ridden by regular rider, Pat Carbery.

Cup Night has firmed from $3.80 to $2.70 favouritism.

Tellem We’re Comin is at $4.20, Dance Music $4.40 and Free Trade $4.80.

Julio Santarelli