Miller looking for another Hannans Handicap 2024 with Rokanori

Trainer Stephen Miller will be out to score a second consecutive win in tomorrow’s Hannans Handicap (1400m), when he saddles up Rokanori.

The six-year-old stormed into contention for the Kalgoorlie feature when he took out the TABtouch Stakes (1600m) at Belmont last Saturday week.

Stephen Miller, who won last year’s Hannans Handicap with Magnificent Andy, said Rokanori had come through the last start win well enough to justify a trip to the Goldfields.

“He’s come through it pretty good,” Miller told TABradio.

“He’s holding his form and he seems good in himself.”

“It’s a very even field and a number of them can win.”

Rokanori’s TABtouch Stakes win came a week after he finished at the tail of the field behind Man Crush in the Nicopolis Stakes (1200m).

Man Crush is the $2.80 TABtouch favourite for tomorrow’s Listed event, while Rokanori is a $15 chance.

The gelding will start from barrier 10 and Miller said he wasn’t concerned about the draw.

“It’s a bit sticky but you’ve got a good run from the 1400 to the first bend,” he said.

“It gives Steve (Parnham) pretty good options because he’s got that bit of gate speed where he can get into a position.

“If the pace is on, he can sit behind them and hopefully get the run of the race.”

Meanwhile, Miller ruled out a trip to Melbourne with Magnificent Andy, following his unplaced performance in the Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.

Miller said he’d still likely progress through the Pinnacles Carnival with the six-year-old.

“He hit the line alright and he pulled up really good,” he said.

“We will press on to those races heading towards the Railway.

“He had to pay his ticket and he didn’t do that.”

Miller also confirmed Holy Enchantment would head towards the Northam Cup (1600m) later this month, while Elite Missile would run first-up over 1400m at Ascot ahead of a WA Guineas tilt.