Prince Turbo ran second to Sentimental Queen in the Diggers Cup (1800m), but for Miller, despite the three length margin, it was as close to a win as you could get.
Training Prince Turbo has been a challenge for Miller and he’s just relieved the son of Vital Equine is back at the track racing competitively again.
That seemed a forlorn hope not so long ago with Miller thinking his eight-year-old talent had retired after suffering a second tendon injury.
In racing’s injury wilderness for nearly two years, Prince Turbo had not raced since winning his sixth race in a 2000m handicap at Belmont.
“It’s a massive effort just to get him back to the races and it’s a big achievement from the horse and everyone involved,” Miller told The Races WA.
“We’re just rapt and if you said six months ago he would be back at the races I would have said you are dreaming.
“I was a little bit hesitant when the owners said to give it another go, I thought we will see what happens.
“It was a relief to get him back, but the biggest relief is he pulled up sound.
“The next day I was a bit nervous checking him, but he’s in really good order and his legs are ice cold and his tendons are good.”
Prince Turbo will renew hostilities with Sentimental Queen in Saturday’s Eurythmic Stakes (2200m).
He’s drawn the outside gate in the field of nine and meets Sentimental Queen 2kg better at the weights.
Chris Parnham has been booked to ride Prince Turbo, replacing Clint Johnston-Porter who has elected to stick with Albany Cup (2100m) winner Tena Koutou.
Miller believes second up and over 2200m will be a big test for Prince Turbo, but he won’t discount another brave performance from him.
“It’s an ask second up and the distance has been changed to 2200m, but he’s a tough horse,” Miller said.
“He’s had plenty of ground work and I think he should run another good race.
“He’s had a lot of bad luck with his legs, but he is very tough.
“If he hadn’t broken down he would have had a few staying races like the Kalgoorlie Cup or something like that under his belt.
“He’s a determined horse and he is tough.”
A dual Listed place getter in the Towton Cup (2200m) and A.T.A Stakes (2200m), Prince Turbo is $6.50 with Tabtouch.
He sits behind Sentimental Queen ($2.90), Tena Koutou ($3.40) and Marocchino ($6).
