Jason Miller expects sharp improvement from Burnya To Survive in Saturday’s Listed Bunbury Stakes (1400m) at Ascot, optimistic it can help launch the first leg of a feature race double on the weekend.
Jason Miller says Burnya To Survive is in much better shape going into the Bunbury Stakes after a foot abscess delayed his return to racing in a 1200m handicap two weeks ago.
Following a 42 day gap between runs and lumping the 59.5kg topweight, Burnya To Survive, who was sent out an easing favourite, ran third to Tadweer, beaten three lengths.
Although his colours were lowered, Burnya To Survive charged home from the back half of the field to run the second fastest final 600m on a day that heavily aligned with on pace runners.
Burnya Ya To Survive flashes big potential for Miller and has built up a record of six wins and two minor placings from 10 career starts with prizemoney edging to $200.000.
Miller says Burnya To Survive, a son of Bradbury’s Luck, will strip fitter and had improved on his first up run.
“He came through the run well and has tightened up a fair bit.” Miller told Tabradio.
“He definitely needed the run and has stripped a lot fitter for it.
“I was happy with his breakdown sectionaIs.
“I think it was a run to blow the cobwebs out and get him back on track.”
The Bunbury Stakes is Burnya To Survive’s first attempt at black-type level.
Miller is confident the five-year-old is up for the challenge.
“Oh, for sure,” Miller said.
“His first two wins this prep were really good and that gave us good confidence he could measure up against good opposition in better races.”
Miller said Burnya To Survive, as he did first-up, will wear bar shoes in the Bunbury Stakes.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s more protection for that foot after the abscess,” Miller said.
“He’s sound, it’s more precautionary so he doesn’t get too much movement in the foot.
“I’m happy with him.”
Burnya To Survive, on the 54kg minimum, has drawn barrier four and will be ridden by Lucy Warwick.
She takes over from Clint Johnston-Porter, who has elected to partner Creator, a last-start second in the Pinjarra Classic (1300m).
Meanwhile, Miller says exciting filly Admiration Express is on target for the Natasha Stakes (2200m) at Ascot on Sunday.
A surprising winner of the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) last November, Admiration Express is going for back to back features this campaign.
After finishing a close second to Feels Playful in the Challenge Stakes (1500m), she turned the tables on her with a dominant victory in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m).
“I was excited by the way she won,” Miller said.
“It’s good to see them winning like that.
“She’s happy and pulled up well.
“The way she hit the line she shouldn’t have a problem with the 2200m.”
Lucy Warwick retains the ride on Admiration Express.
