Races

Miller Confident of Adelaide Success

Ascot trainer Simon Miller is adamant his stable will exert a powerful influence when two of its top liners take on Group racing in Adelaide on Saturday.

Miller believes Valour Road and Lady Cosmology are definite winning hopes in the Goodwood (1200m) and Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) respectively.

Miller says both his horses had thrived and improved significantly after a hectic build-up to their first interstate runs at Morphettville two weeks ago.

Valour Road was a brilliant all the way winner in the Group 2 Euclase (1200m) while Lady Cosmology ran a sound fifth in the Group 1 Sangster (1200m).

Miller said a fortnight between runs could be key factors for Valour Road and Lady Cosmology after an arduous preparation ahead of those races.

”It was a pretty tough week,” Miller told TABradio.

“They flew to Melbourne and then had to truck back to Adelaide.

“They then had to race which was all in the space of a week.

“To do what they did was brilliant and made us proud.

“Even more importantly they have had two weeks to settle in there.

“I can see a difference in their coat and attitude from a fortnight ago to now.

“It’s exciting because they had had a really good week.

“They galloped strong on Tuesday and recovered well.

“I wouldn’t say from a fitness point of view they have an added advantage, but from a mental state they are in a good head space.”

Valour Road has firmed from $9.50 to $9 in TABtouch markets. The Frost Giant gelding has drawn barrier nine for Luke Currie.

“I think we will be outside of Cool Passion,” Miller said.

“There is no point taking her on.

“There is not much inside us who will hold us out.

“He thrives on good tempo and that’s what we will get.

“You can put him anywhere you like and he is there at the end.”

Lady Cosmology looks to have the task ahead of her after drawing the widest gate in the Proud Miss Stakes, but Miller says with luck she can definitely overcome barrier 17.

“It’s not ideal to draw that gate, but it’s not as bad as it looks,” Miller said.

“There is not much speed in the race and the tempo won’t be as strong as she had to deal with in the Sangster.

“I think it maps ok for her which sounds silly from that gate.

“She is a massive chance of winning that.

“If we get a little bit of luck in running she will be all over it.”

Lady Cosmology holds $4.20 favouritism. Luke Currie maintains the ride.