Magnificent Andy stays home

Magnificent Andy scored a surprising win at Ascot on Saturday, but any notion of taking him to Victoria has been ruled out by trainer Stephen Miller.

After a rails-hugging ride by Jarrad Noske, Magnificent Andy defeated Laced Up Heels in an exciting conclusion to the $200,000 The Joey (1200m).

First up this campaign and starting at $17, Magnificent Andy edged out favourite Laced Up Heels by a nose to push stake earnings past half a million dollars.

Although delighted by the win, Miller said it came somewhat unexpected early into his campaign.

“It was really good as he probably went into the race a little soft,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“I was hoping he could run a good race and everything went well, Jarrad rode him good.

“He was trucking up coming to the turn and I thought he was going to play a part in it.

“He really knuckled down the last bit and got the bob in.

“After the trial I thought he would go well, but not confident of winning it.

“He always gives his best and is a pleasure to train.”

Miller had planned on the Drummond Golf Joey being a warm up race for Magnificent Andy before plotting an interstate campaign.

Miller mapped out next month’s Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool as a target race, but his opinion was swayed late.

Miller will instead focus on the Group 3 Northam Stakes (1100m) on May 5 after consulting with Warrnambool-based trainer, Lindsey Smith.

“I was planning on taking him to Melbourne for that Wangoom, this was going to be a race to top it off for him,” Miller said.

“Then Lindsey said it gets pretty heavy over there so that went out the gate.

“I’m thinking of taking No Apology if he can get on a plane and Magnificent Andy will go to that race in Northam.

“He’s an amazing little horse who keeps coming up and seems to get better every prep, definitely an amazing little horse.”

No Apology, a seven-year-old, won the Ascot Mile first up last campaign.

He last raced in March when second in the Pinjarra Cup (2300m) and won a Lark Hill trial on April 8.

Meanwhile, Miller says Rokanori won’t race in blinkers in Thursday’s Diggers Cup (1800m).

“I’ve taken the blinkers off with him,” Miller said.

“I’m hoping that will help him settle better and he’ll probably go out after that.”

Miller also said General Grant, who finished last when first-up on Saturday, may have run his final race.

“I think he’s going into retirement,” Miller said.

“He just hasn’t come up the last two campaigns.

“I think he’s just had enough.”