Miller prays for holy intervention in ATA Stakes

Holy Enchantment has had two goes at winning the Perth Cup (2400m) and on both occasions has come up short of the mark.

In 2023 the Stephen Miller-trained gelding finished sixth to Buster Bash and in January he filled seventh position behind Casino Seventeen.

Whether Holy Enchantment makes it to a third Perth Cup will ultimately be assessed after Wednesday’s A.T.A Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.

Miller says Holy Enchantment has had the physical grounding to win the A.T.A.Stakes and helping him get there is a favourable barrier draw.

The Playing God seven-year-old underscored his staying credentials in the autumn when he won the Pinjarra Cup (2300m) and ran third in the Bunbury Cup (2000m).

Miller says Holy Enchantment has done well since his previous appearance in the A.J.Scahill Cup (2100m), finding fourth spot behind Sentimental Hero.

“He’s gone on with it since then,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“He’s pretty fit going into this race.

“If he’s to go ahead to the Perth, he would need to run a forward race in this, I would think.

“I’ve taken the winkers off him; I thought he was probably racing a bit keen with them on.”

Holy Enchantment is one of 13 who will contest the A.T.A.Stakes and from gate four he will be in the hands of Brad Parnham.

“I think there is enough pace, there,” Miller said.

“He should be able to lob just behind them and hopefully come with a good run at the end.”

Holy Enchantment is in to $12 with Tabtouch, half his quote after he opened at $26.

His Scahill Cup conqueror, Sentimental Hero, the $3.70 favourite, ahead of Diamond Scene ($4.40) and Royal Toronado ($4.60).

Meanwhile, Miller isn’t sure if Oisin can win the Morley Growers Market Handicap (1400m) earlier on the midweek card, but he is certain he’s a horse to follow.

The Shamus Award three-year-old made the best start to his racing journey after winning on debut at Pinjarra and has plenty of admirers when coming to town.

With a field of 11 to contest, Oisin will exit from gate ten with Parnham keeping the ride.

“Look, he’s very raw and new coming to the races,” Miller said.

“He’s drawn wide, but it possibly helps him out.

“I think he’s got a fair bit of ability, whether he can win tomorrow is another thing.

“But, in the future he’ll be a nice little horse.”

Miller confirmed Magnificent Andy was in the paddock after collecting second prize in the $1.5 million Gold Rush (1400m) on Saturday.