Kalgoorlie Road Trip In Bid To Spark Aerozine

Posted on August 5, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Damian Miller is hoping a change of environment will be the spark that ignites Aerozine back to winning form when he travels to Kalgoorlie for the first time.

In a bid to try and restore some confidence back into the five-year-old, the Coolup horseman has targeted the Bardi Oceanic Beef Handicap (1100m) on Sunday.

It looks a suitable and easier assignment for Aerozine who finished ahead of just one starter when resuming from a seven month spell at Belmont three weeks ago.

Miller believes Aerozine deserves a slice of luck after being plagued by injuries, a torn suspensory ligament and a cracked pedal bone restricting him to just nine career starts.

It’s been a major source of frustration for Miller who has been unable to see the Testa Rossa gelding, a horse he rates highly, deliver on his early potential.

The speedster captured the imagination when he won a Lark Hill trial by seven lengths before stepping out for his first appearance at Belmont two years ago.

He surged to the front on jumping and attempted to lead throughout, but ran out of gas over the concluding stages, fading to fourth behind, Magnus Missile.

He bounced back strongly and atoned at his next start in Bunbury, leading from barrier-to post and recording his sole victory by an authoritative 4 3/4 lengths.

Miller believes a trip to the goldfields could be the key in getting Aerozine back on track.

“He needs a lift in confidence and I think racing in Kalgoorlie will be a little easier for him,” Miller said.

“It’s all about getting back to the basics and a trip away for the first time will help him grow up mentally.

“Because of all his injuries I have been guilty of cuddling and keeping him under wraps to a certain degree.

“At home he has had the best of care and has raced on the best of tracks and surfaces.

“It’s now time for him to adapt to a new routine, a set of new surroundings and get out of his comfort zone.”

Aerozine will start from the extreme outside gate in the field of eight and lumps top weight of 60kg.

Miller opted not to claim with an apprentice and has booked Matthieu Autier to take the ride.

Miller says he expects the visiting French jockey to go forward and control the race.

“He is quite a tough going animal who is suited to a senior rider,” Miller said.

“I won’t be issuing any instructions but I don’t think anyone will be taking him on for the lead.”