Trainer Jason Miller will attempt to shore up another slice of Strickland Stakes (2000m) history with a mare that came close to taking him to the top of the racing world last year.
A fourth Strickland Stakes trophy is on the cards for Miller who holds no fears that Admiration Express can get the job done for him over nine other rivals at Pinjarra on Saturday.
Miller’s first taste of Strickland Stakes glory came as a jockey when he booted home Dedicated Miss in 2004 before going back-to-back as a trainer with Prince Turbo (2022) and Naughty By Nature (2021).
Miller says the best version of Admiration Express will be exposed in the Strickland Stakes, saying the classy five-year-old will be ready to peak third up and be better suited over the middle-distance staying trip.
After her Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) heroics at Ascot six months ago when a fast-finishing runner-up to Light Infantry Man, the Strickland Stakes has been the chief target race for Admiration Express.
Getting her there was the Belmont Sprint (1400m) first up before she caught the eye in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), doing her best work late for fourth, finishing 2 lengths behind chief Strickland Stakes fancy, Western Empire.
Miller says Admiration Express is in top shape, has further improved since her last start, likes the race distance involved and believes she’s as good a chance as any to take out the final group event of the Perth winter season.
“I think she’s definitely a good chance,” Miller said to Racing WA.
“Western Empire, Hemlock Stone, a few of them are going to be hard to beat, but she’s taken improvement from each run.
“Up to 2000m I think she’s as good a chance as any.
“Fitness is good, everything is good, I’ve just had to keep her happy.
“She’s bouncing around behind the scenes and I’m happy with her.
“She’s well, she’s fit, she’s in with a good chance.”
From gate six, in-form hoop Lucy Fiore will oversee the riding duties on Admiration Express
She’s come in for solid market support, into $6 from her opening $9 quote.
Western Empire, out to make it a Hyperion Stakes-Strickland Stakes double, has tightened from $2.10 to $1.90.
Stable mate, Hemlock Stone, is easy, out from $4 to $4.80.
Western Empire and Hemlock Stone lead a powerful Strickland Stakes assault for top trainers, Grant and Alana Williams.
They also have representation with Bucket’s Ridge, an $11 hope and Starry Heights, an outsider at $51.
Julio Santarelli