Dance Music On Song For Return
Free Trade gained the upper hand when they last met, but Simon Miller is bullish about the chances of Dance Music turning the tables at Belmont on Saturday.
Dance Music is set to resume in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m), her first appearance since running third to Free Trade in the Pinjarra Classic (1300m) in February.
“It will be an intriguing race because she was at the end of a long preparation when she ran into Free Trade,” Miller told The Races WA.
“I think she is capable of winning a race like this and her race record would suggest it too.
“She has been very consistent throughout her career and she is coming off a terrific last preparation.
“But I expect Free Trade to bounce back from his previous run.
“You have to forgive good horses if they put in a bad one.
“He’ll bounce back and it will be an intriguing race to know where we all sit.”
Free Trade has been a touch easy as favourite, out to $2.30 after he opened at $2.10.
Punters cautious after his first-up failure as market leader in the Belmont Newmarket (1200m).
The Trade Fair gelding has never been beaten in two second up attempts and will have the run of the race from barrier one.
In form jockey, Chris Parnham retains the mount.
Dance Music, who warmed up for her return with a trial hit out, running second to This’ll Testya, has tightened from $4.40 into $3.60.
A previous stakes winner in the Placid Ark (1200m) two years ago, Dance Music will start from barrier five for regular jockey, Chloe Azzopardi.
“Chloe just clicks with this horse,” Miller said.
“She rides her as well as anyone.
“She will be on speed again, but I don’t want her to get involved in any speed battle.”
Julio Santarelli