Miller flags interstate campaign for Strickland Stakes winner
Admiration Express could be bound for Melbourne in the near future after cruising to victory in Saturday’s Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Pinjarra.
The Jason Miller-trained mare, sent out at $5, delivered a dominant performance under Lucy Fiore, accelerating away from her rivals to score by a comfortable margin. Buckets Ridge chased late into second, with Ginger Baker holding third. Favourite Western Empire, last on the bend, closed late for fourth but couldn’t match the winner’s turn of foot.
This win marked Admiration Express’ second at Group 3 level, following her success in the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m). She also holds Listed victories in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and the Coolgardie Cup (1760m), and was runner-up in last year’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).
Admiration Express is nearing $1 million in earnings and has been a consistent stakes performer throughout her career. Miller now has four training wins in the Strickland Stakes, having also won it as a jockey in 2004 aboard Dedicated Miss.
“She’s a little superstar,” Miller said.
“Ever since her three-year-old career she’s always nearly raced in group and listed races.
“She’s done a really good job and an awesome result.
“Obviously the Northerly and Railway are on the radar again, but in the autumn, I had been thinking about her and Bonjoy, taking them over and having a go over there.”
Bonjoy, another Miller runner, also looks a live chance for the spring following his win in the Starstruck Classic (1600m).
After solid runs in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), Admiration Express peaked at the right time to claim her winter feature.
Jockey Lucy Fiore added another Group 3 win to her record, having previously partnered Material Man to Strickland success in 2017.
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