Miller Makes Spirited Case For Achernar Star In Karrakatta Plate

Posted on March 31, 2017March 31, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Simon Miller has urged punters not to ignore Achernar Star in the $500,000 Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Miller is convinced the son of Gingerbread Man has slipped under the radar with the bulk of pre-race focus on stable mate, Seannie.

The Sebring filly had her unbeaten status halted in last fortnight’s Gimcrack Stakes, but she remains a firm favourite to bounce back.

Punters recognise she is potentially the best two-year-old in the state after winning her opening two races in blistering fashion.

Achernar Star set the standard early when he won on debut at Belmont Park in October, before Miller wrapped him up in cotton wool and sent him to the paddock.

He made his return to city headquarters in January and picked up from where he left off with another victory before suffering a small dent to his reputation at Pinjarra.

Sent out the favourite in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m), Achernar Star had his chance to run down, Lucy Mae, but failed to reel her in by a short neck.

Achernar Star, a $75,000 buy from the 2016 Perth Magic Millions Yearling sale, tuned up for his Karrakatta Plate assault with an impressive trial win.

Wearing blinkers for the first time, Achernar Star sat outside of the leader and kicked into another gear over the concluding stages.

“He is a sleeper and is a big chance of winning this,” Miller said on TABradio’s The Sports Daily.

“He is getting under everyone’s guard because he hasn’t taken the traditional path.

“His first two runs were great wins and the trial was really exceptional.

“There is absolutely no doubt he can win it and is a massive chance.

“His work on Tuesday was brilliant when I worked him with an older horse.

“If two-year-olds can work with older horses it’s a really good gauge.

“He will be in a forward position and ready to pounce at the turn.

“He is ready and will look the winner at some stage.”

Achernar Star will jump from barrier 11 for Peter Knuckey. He is $8 with the TAB.