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Ascot trainer Simon Miller has identified race tempo as being pivotal to the winning chances of Amasenus in the Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Amasenus settled back and ran third to Nerodio in last Saturday week's Beaufine Stakes (1000m), a race that was set up early by noted front-runner Mervyn.
With the absence of the speedy Mervyn in the Bolton Sprint, Simon Miller doesn't anticipate the Listed feature will be run nearly as quickly as the Bolton Sprint.
Miller, hunting for a record-equaling fourth victory, says how fast the Bolton Sprint is run is crucial to Amasenus turning the tables on Nerodio.
"Nerodio is bomb-proof at the moment and the horse to beat," Miller told The Races WA.
"He sprinted straight past Amasenus in the Bolton Sprint.
"But I don't think the tempo of this race will be quite as frenetic.
"With no Mervyn it changes the dynamics a little bit.
"It will allow Amasenus to find her feet and accelerate quicker."
"That's probably the only way we can get over the top of Nerodio."
Miller says Amasenus has been a pleasant surprise packet this preparation.
The Time For War mare was on a six race winning spree that stretched back to March before her first crack at stakes company in the Beaufine Stakes.
"I've always had a good opinion of her ability, but it's surprised me that she has reach stakes level in this preparation," Miller said.
"She's always been good, but a little immature."
Amasenus has drawn barrier four with Chris Parnham retaining the ride.
After she opened at$5.50, Amasenus is currently $6 in current TABtouch markets.
Nerodio has eased from $2.90 to $3.20 but retains favouritism.
Last Of The Line, first-up for Stephen Miller, has firmed into $5.50 from $9.50.
Miller says aside from Nerodio, Last Of The Line warrants big respect.
"You have to respect the money," Miller said.
"He's a bloody good horse and could be anything."
Power Princess (2011) gave Miller his first Bolton Sprint success. He followed up with First Among Equals (2016) and Valour Road (2019).
If successful, Miller will share top billing with Fred Kersley on the Bolton Sprint honour roll.
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