Simon Miller is prepared to forgive Son Of God’s last defeat and expects a positive rebound in the $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m) at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Miller had high expectations for Son Of A God’s first up run in the Belmont Newmarket, but after pulling hard and racing fierce he finished a disappointing eighth.
Miller said the race didn’t pan out as expected for Son Of A God, but he anticipates a much improved performance from the five-year-old.
“He just pulled hard and it cost him the race,” Miller told the Races WA.
“I’ve just gone back to basics and have poured the work into him.
“I think I had him too fresh first-up, but I haven’t missed him since then.
“I could have raced him in the Idyllic Prince, but he’s not a weight-for-age horse.
“I have just poured the work into him and he’ll be better second-up.
“I’ve left the blinkers on, if that doesn’t work again, I have that up my sleeve to take off later.”
Chris Parnham takes over on Son Of A God after Pat Carbery rode him in the Belmont Newmarket.
Carbery takes the ride on Excellent Dream, a recent addition to Miller’s team.
The Dream Ahead gelding won six races for previous trainer Lindsey Smith.
Excellent Dream last raced in July when a short-head second to Not To Be Mist over 1400m at Belmont.
“I’ve had him for about four weeks and think he is a nice horse,” Miller said.
“I have no doubt he will be a good horse going forward.
“Saturday is a stepping-stone for me.”
