3 minute read
She was very good on debut in the Supremacy Stakes, even better in the Gimcrack Stakes and simply jaw-dropping in the Karrakatta Plate. The cackle early before she even appeared on race day suggested she could be something special and that was well and truly validated in Perth's major juvenile feature. The daughter of Siyouni is a bona fide star and the new pinup girl of WA racing.
Tears shed after the race showed how much winning the Karrakatta Plate meant to Miller and how desperately he wanted to achieve the victory for his good friend Peter Walsh and the Amelia Park team. He often says he has been gifted a Ferrari with a brain and downplays his role, but he still has to play his part in getting her to the races fit and in one piece. Miller's fourth Karrakatta Plate and arguably his most emotional.
The diminutive rider went to great personal lengths in a bid to clinch his third Karrakatta Plate success and had to overcome a sad family loss. He revealed post-race he virtually self-isolated during the week to avoid Covid including taking his youngest daughter out of school to minimise any risk. He dedicated the win to his nana who passed away on the morning of the race. The in-form jockey has been racing up a storm in the past six months and is arguably riding at the peak of his powers.
He's no super star, but he's now a Listed winner. What he might lack in top end talent is more than compensated by his toughness, grit and determination, traits that were all on display when he fought back after being headed to win the Old Comrade Stakes. His loyal group of owners are relishing the son of Playing God's first black-type success after 43 visits to the track.
5-METALLON
There were a few prepared to risk Metallon who was facing the biggest test of his career from a wide gate and a change from its regular rider, but Jade McNaught, got the job done perfectly out in front after the three-year-old jumped the gates best. He just got in by a short-head from the fast finishing Harmika, but is three from three this campaign, four from five career wise and shows above average ability for trainer Todd Harvey.
Not the best of days for Dan Morton after Kissonallforcheeks ran last in the Doncaster in Sydney, but tempering that body blow was Otheroneson at Ascot. There were a few anxious moments when the hot favourite was tucked away behind runners on turning, but once clear and balanced he willed his way to the line. The Demerit gelding is tough and went one better after a fighting second to Harmika when first up 17 days back.
The drought is over for Graeme Evans and his grey gelding Pink 'N' Gray. After 569 days, he returned to the winners stall and his first at racing headquarters after nine placings from 22 previous appearances.
