Trainer Stephen Miller says there is plenty of reason for optimism about two of his stable stars, following trials at Belmont this morning.
Gold Rush runner-up Magnificent Andy and promising three-year-old Elite Missile both stepped out publicly for the first time this campaign this morning, as they prepare for more feature race assignments.
Magnificent Andy finished seven lengths behind Zing To Win in his 1000m trial, but Miller said he wasn’t concerned by the margin.
“He was just there for a gallop,” he said.
“It was his first gallop for the preparation, so he didn’t get knocked around and they ran along pretty quick.
“I was pretty happy with that.”
Magnificent Andy was placed in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m), Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and Gold Rush (1400m) last campaign.
That followed his Joey (1200m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m) wins in the campaign prior.
Miller said he would wait a little longer before deciding what race would launch Magnificent Andy’s campaign, but indicated he would like to gain a slot in next month’s $5 million Quokka (1200m).
“He looks really good and seems to be doing really well,” he said.
“We will see how he pulls up, but we will probably trial him again in three or four weeks.
“We will work out what to do in the next few weeks.
“I’d like to go into the Quokka first-up.”
Meanwhile, Elite Missile also impressed Miller in his first appearance since last year’s WA Guineas (1600m).
The three-year-old finished less than a length by Cosmic Eclipse in his 1000m trial.
Miller said Elite Missile had comeback “a lot stronger” this time in and could be aimed at June’s Belmont Guineas (1600m).
