Ascot trainer Simon Miller is under no illusion of the task facing Generosity in Adelaide but says the Perth mare deserves her chance of striving for Group 1 glory in the Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Generosity takes on the much-anticipated return of dual group 1 champion and Everest winner Giga Kick but will be given the opportunity to star in Adelaide’s premier short course race after producing strong performances in top company in Perth.
Generosity won maiden black type status in the Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic (1200m) in March, but her last start effort in the $5 million Quokka (1200m) against elite sprinters sealed the deal for Miller to send her interstate.
The daughter of Divine Prophet was right in the mix in the Quokka, challenging for a win in the straight, but was outgunned late in proceedings, finishing a creditable third after Jokers Grin and Headwall finished over the top of her.
Miller’s having his fourth attempt at winning the Goodwood after trying previously with star mare, Amelia’s Jewel, Valour Road and First Among Equals.
From a nice barrier and afforded the right run, Miller says Generosity, despite her $17 market price, can’t be underestimated as a genuine winning chance.
“She’s a beauty,” Miller said on RSN.
“Not many horses enjoy high pressure and can then absorb it and quicken.
“That’s her greatest asset, but unfortunately most of the races she’s been over here (Perth) have been sort of sit and sprints.
“You saw the best version of her in the Quokka and if they run along at a nice clip on Saturday, she’ll be there as well.”
The four-year-old has been a money spinner for Miller, who shares ownership of the mare with a group of good friends.
A $9,000 weanling, her stakes earnings can soar pass the $1 million mark if successful on the weekend.
“It’s been a great love story,” Miller said.
“The whole journey has been amazing.
“It’s been good fun.”
In the 13-horse field, Generosity steps from barrier five and will have the services of in-form Perth jockey, Lucy Fiore.
Miller and Fiore are set for a lucrative interstate feature double with stable mate West Star to contest the Group 3 Northam Stakes (1300m) on Sunday.
“She’s airborne at the moment,” Miller said of Fiore.
“With the weight of 52 ½ kg, it’s a luxury that she knows the horse and can ride at that weight.
“It was a no brainer to send her to Adelaide for us.
“Fiore fifo they’re calling her here at the moment.
“She’s going to Adelaide for one and then I have to get her on the first flight back Sunday for a nice horse in the Group 3 at Northam.
“She’ll come back and ride that for me as well.”
Miller said West Star, a highly rated three-year-old son of Playing God and Generosity will travel to Melbourne for a spring campaign later this year.
West Star ran seventh in the Quokka, the only occasion he has finished outside the first three in seven starts.
He won the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) last October.
Giga Kick is the dominant Goodwood favourite at $2.
Charm Stone and Ameena are $8, a point ahead of Stretan Angel ($9) and Reserve Bank ($9).
Julio Santarelli