3 minute read
Next month’s WA Oaks (2400m) is the ultimate grand final for Admiration Express, but Saturday’s Ascot meeting will be a starting point for the star filly.
Admiration Express will begin her campaign in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1500m) after her surprising Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) victory three months ago.
Considered unlucky not to have won her maiden before, Admiration Express saved her best when it mattered most to record her first win at start number four in the Champion Fillies.
Given a positive ride by Lucy Warwick, Admiration Express shook off Laced Up Heel's tenacious challenge and kicked clear to outgun the favourite by nearly two lengths.
The quality of Admiration Express' victory underlined with Laced Up Heels the only horse to have inflicted the first defeat on boom filly Amelia's Jewel.
Miller said Admiration Express is fit and well and ready to go in the Challenge Stakes after breezing through and winning a couple of trials impressively.
"It's her first start back and not her grand final, but on her trials I expect her to run well," Miller told The Races WA.
"Her work has been super; she has trained on since her trial and I'm looking forward to it.
"She's come back in terrific order and is doing everything right at home."
In a field of nine starters in the Challenge Stakes, Admiration Express has drawn barrier six. Lucy Warwick keeps the ride.
Warwick's first ride on Admiration Express in the Champion Fillies Stakes set up a huge Group 3 double for the top jockey.
A race later she guided home speedy mare This'll Testya in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) for trainer, Mitchell Pateman.
"Lucy did such a good job in the Champion Fillies," Miller said.
"I don't like to change winning jocks and she's got the opportunity."
Admiration Express was sold for $60,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
She's finished top three in four career starts with one win and two placings.
With stamina on her dam (Comme Ci) side and the manner in which she ran out a strong mile in the Champion Fillies Stakes has Miller optimistic she can stay the 2400m of the Oaks.
"She ran out a strong 1600m and I'm pretty confident she will," Miller said.
"But until she does it you never know.
"On her dam side there's been horses that have won over the staying trips.
"I'm hoping, but until you go over you never 100 per cent know."
Admiration Express has firmed to $3.30 after she opened at $3.90 with TABtouch on Wednesday.
She sits on the second line of betting behind All The King's Men ($2.60).
Feels Playful is next at $4.40 and Saintorio is $5.50.
The WA Oaks is run at Ascot on March 25.
Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
