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Rockhampton trainer Kevin Miller has heeded advice from Brisbane jockey James Orman and is hopeful Manila Miss can overcome a distance doubt to claim the Country Cup at Callaghan Park on Friday.
James Orman rode Manila Miss when the four-year-old mare was successful in a 1300-metre Benchmark race at Callaghan Park last month, but is unavailable and has been replaced by the widely travelled Bob El-Issa.
Manila Miss was originally trained on the Gold Coast by Noel Doyle and then Matt Dunn at Murwillumbah before she was sent to Miller's stables last year.
Under Miller's care, Manila Miss has started 12 times for six wins, but was unsuccesful for Doyle at her only previous 1600-metre attempt when she finished down the track in the Listed Princess Stakes at the Sunshine Coast in 2018.
"Jimmy (Orman) was never coming up for these meetings but he recommended this race and thought she wouldn't have a problem getting the trip," Miller said.
"She failed at her only start over 1600 metres but that was in a Listed race a few years ago and she's more mature now."
Kevin Miller works as a boilermaker at Boral Asphalt in Rockhampton as well as preparing a team of 10 horses.
"I'm originally from Mount Isa and I've been training for about nine years," Miller said.
"My biggest win was in the Amateur Sprint in Mackay with Avonaco a few years ago.
"I'm confident Manila Miss will run well and I'm thankful to the club secretary Tony Fenlon who has been really helpful by opening up the grass track for gallops.
"Her work on Monday morning was first class."
Miller is hopeful a win from Manila Miss will also see the stars align for a victory from Bean Deadly in Saturday's Capricorn Yearling Sales Classic over 1200 metres.
Bean Deadly is a son of Spill The Beans and has been placed at his last two starts, including his recent second to Shesaysthanks in a 1200-metre maiden at Rockhampton on March 25.
Bean Deadly cost $6,500 at last year's Capricorn Yearling Sales and has already paid her way for connections.
"Her last run when she ran second was very good and she's looking for 1200 metres now," he said.
"I'm confident with Manila Miss and I reckon we can get a good result from Bean Deadly."
