Miller’s Birthday Plans
Simon Miller has given punters a lead by declaring Lady Cosmology to have the edge over stable mate Achernar Star when they resume in a hot edition of the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Lady Cosmology launches her Ascot carnival ambitions on the back of a successful trip to Adelaide in May when she underlined her talent with a career-best victory in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
The Universal Ruler mare signalled she was on target to run a race first-up for Miller after a strong 950m trial performance at Lark Hill, finding the line strongly for a close second to Special Reward in the fastest heat time
Miller also has high Ascot carnival plans for Achernar Star, who ended his last campaign in the autumn with a bang, claiming back-to-back Listed wins in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) and Grandstand Cup (1500m) at Ascot.
The Gingerbread Man five-year-old geared up for his return with a strong closing second to Man Time over 950 in heat four at Lark Hill on September 9.
“It’s going to be a hot race with a lot of good horses going that way,” Miller told Tabradio.
“I couldn’t be happier with them and it will be an intriguing battle to see who beats who home.
“They worked together this morning (Tuesday) and there wasn’t much between them.
“I’m probably leaning to Lady Cosmology, just because she is smart and savvy.
“He (Achernar Star) is a superior 1400m horse as opposed to a 1200m and might even get back out to a mile.
“I think she (Lady Cosmology) is a better horse over 1200m but at 1400m it would be intriguing to see.”
Meanwhile Miller’s classy three-year-olds Niccovi and Rio Del Mar will also lock horns on Saturday.
Rio De Mar, a winner of the Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) in March, ran second to Some Sort when resuming on August 7.
Niccovi steps out for her come back appearance on the back of a trial third to quality filly Miss West Coast, a Belmont winner Saturday.
Miller said Niccovi is on trial for a Melbourne campaign.
“Her work this morning (Tuesday) was awesome, “Miller said.
“If she came out and ran really well you could easily duck her over to Melbourne.
“There might be a sneaky little race over there, but I’ll get through Saturday first.”
Already in Melbourne is Special Reward, unbeaten in his four starts last campaign.
The Demerit gelding takes on the Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
“I know he will be on the minimum which is a luxury weight for what he has done over here,” Miller said.
“He has settled in well.”
Julio Santarelli