Deflated Miller Expects Bounce Back Performances
Simon Miller does not shy away from admitting that Platinum Bullet and Crown Of Flowers were less than impressive at their recent runs.
He only has to go back to last Saturday to revive bad memories of Crown Of Flowers who backs up and goes around again after her debut fourth.
Platinum Bullet gets her chance to make amends after she came unstuck and finished 2 ½ lengths third to unbeaten Bunbury galloper, Resortman two weeks ago.
Following on from her strong-second up win 10 days earlier, Miller said he went into race with high expectations and expected better from the filly.
He believes Platinum Bullet’s only alibi could have been the quick back-up between runs, leaving her a touch flat third run in.
With the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m) up-coming for Platinum Bullet, Miller wants to see an improved performance.
Platinum Bullet lines up in the Amelia Park Handicap (1200m).
“I’m happy with where she is at, she galloped good, freshened up nicely, she should turn it around,” Miller told The Races WA.
“I just thought maybe the 10 day back-up off two really solid runs might have zapped her.
“She had a bit of weight, no doubt, but I thought she was a bit plain, admittedly there were good horses in the race, but I thought she would have given them a bit of a scare and she didn’t.
“She is down in weight, had a fortnight between runs and that should help.”
Joe Azzopradi rides Platinum Bullet at 57.5kg, 3.5kg less than her previous start. In a 16-horse field she jumps from barrier 11.
Platinum Bullet ($4.20) has second market lead behind Showmanship ($2.05).
Off a winning trial, the support came for Crown Of Flowers last Saturday, but she failed to flatter when five lengths adrift of Kissonallforcheeks.
“Nothing went right, but I thought she went awful,” Miller said.
“I thought she might have pulled up shin sore, she went that bad, but she didn’t.
“She was flying all week, so I thought I will back her up.
“I don’t know what happened to her because I thought she could win.
“I will give her another go and win, lose or draw she will go out.
“An extra couple of hundred metres should help and race experience should help.
“We are under no illusions, but she has come through it that good I thought why not give her another go.”
Crown Of Flower goes from 1100m to 1300m in the Laverrod Western Racepix Ascot Horse Of The Year Plate.
Chloe Azzopardi sits again from barrier two.
Crown Of Flowers is at $10. The market strangled by $1.22 favourite Charlton Eddie.
Julio Santarelli