Flirtini To Fly Says Simon Miller
Simon Miller believes Flirtini can launch her Ascot carnival campaign with a bang on Saturday.
On the back of a top trial win, Flirtini races first-up in the Listed Crawford Stakes (1000m).
Miller is confident of a forward showing from the talented mare as she looks to pursue a Winterbottom Stakes campaign.
“I think this maps beautifully for her,” Miller told Tabradio.
“You only have to see her trial, it was unreal.
“She will get the run of the race and I think she is our best for sure.”
Flirtini, unbeaten in two first-up starts, has drawn barrier four in the $100,000 sprint. Chris Parnham has the ride.
The daughter of Artie Schiller flashed potential last year when she placed in three black-type races.
She is the $2.65 favourite with Tabtouch, backed in from $5.50.
Meanwhile Miller says he can’t split Achernar Star and Lady Cosmology in the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m).
Lady Cosmology and Achernar Star finished fourth and fifth respectively behind Man Booker in the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) last-start.
Lady Cosmology, a winner of the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in May, will be ridden by Chris Parnham.
With the scratching of Man Booker the Universal Ruler mare will jump from barrier three and has been elevated to $3.60 favouritism
Achernar Star, on a potential Railway Stakes preparation, will have the services of Paul Harvey for the first time.
The Gingerbread Man gelding is rated a $5 chance. He will start from barrier four.
“I’m looking forward to Achernar Star getting back to 1400m,” Miller said.
“I always thought the 1200m was going to be his achilles heel the other day.
“He worked really good Tuesday and Paul Harvey goes on, he will really suit the horse.
“It’s a lethal combination when Paul and I team up.
“Lady Cosmology I have earmarked as a Railway horse.
“She is going really well.
“I can’t actually split those two at the moment.
“They both have excellent chances.”
Dance Music will look to continue her winning ways in the Seppelt Wines Handicap (1200m).
A winner of the Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) last year, boasts a record of six wins from seven starts.
The War Chant mare races first up after two warm up trials.
“I just wanted to go a soft option with her,” Miller said.
“She is on a Winterbottom Stakes campaign.
“This run will bring her on and her trials have been good.
“You’d think she would win as well.”
Dance Music is the $2.45 market leader. From barrier four Chloe Azzopardi has the mount.
Julio Santarelli