Stephen Miller has had success in the Melvista Stakes as a jockey, but on Saturday he claimed his first as a trainer with Red Hot Tip. Earlier in race one first starter Last Of The Line got the day rolling with a powerhouse win that suggests he has a bright future in front of him.
JOCKEY
A city double for popular hoop, Ryan Hill. The highlight a Listed win on Red Hot Tip in the Melvista Stakes, but he would also be delighted to have formed a successful association with Blackfriars gelding Last Of The Line.
Paul Harvey booted home Our Boy Dylan and Cryptic Love
DROUGHT IS OVER
Hard to believe Floyd had been without a win for 735 days leading into the Seppelt Wines Handicap (1400m). He had been knocking on the door with three previous placings and got the monkey off his back by sticking to the fence and not going around a horse. It was career win number six and his first at 1400m.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
Not a bad way to make your introduction to racing. Last Of The Line settled back but had the field covered at the top of the straight. He warranted respect off Monday’s trial and he followed up on game day. Won eased down and couldn’t have done much more on debut.
Midnight Blue was coming hard in the Melvista Stakes. He should relish another 200m in the WA Derby.
WIN OF THE DAY
From the moment she won the Natasha Stakes (2200m) two weeks ago, Tuscan Queen had the WA Oaks (2400m) at her mercy. The Fastnet Rock filly started a raging favourite and won accordingly, racing away over the concluding stages. Hard to see any of her rivals reversing the trend in the WA Derby. Her victory gave owner-breeders Bob and Sandra Peters a remarkable 11 WA Oaks and seventh in partnership with trainers Grant and Alana Williams. Jockey William Pike won it for a fifth occasion.
MELVISTA STAKES
Red Hot Tip was shortening stride late, but with Ryan Hill rating him he did enough to pull out a gutsy all the way win over the fast-finishing Midnight Blue. A $26,000 yearling from Mungrup, he made the big step from a Bunbury maiden two starts back and capped a big day for the Miller and Hill partnership.
EXCUSES
Painful watching if you were on Adornment. The mare was held up and pocketed early in the straight. She was only beaten a short-head, but while she was searching for galloping room Mr Kunafa had momentum.
Just A Pinch was found to be shin sore.
State Attorney was a late scratching after he became fractious and cast in his barrier.
Sweet Dreamin’ raced wide.
WHAT HAPPENED?
First run in nearly a year, awkward gate and wide run, there were valid reasons in Deacalda’s defeat.
Bogart didn’t run out a strong 2200m in the Melvista Stakes.
BEST RIDE
Shaun McGruddy could not have done any more on Lipstick Flickers, box-seating from wide draw.