Miller after elusive success on Bolton Sprint

Veteran trainer Stephen Miller is hoping his luck finally turns when Toropa tackles Saturday’s Listed Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Bunbury, after a stretch of near-misses that would test the patience of any stable.

Since May, Miller’s runners have finished in the minor money in eight Group and Listed events: Magnificent Andy was nosed out in both the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), Elite Missile fell just short in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m), while Kimberley Rose and Toropa have also been right there without landing the prize.

Toropa began her career with the now-retired Vern Brockman, rattling off five straight wins, and comes into the Bolton off a terrific second to rising star Repossession in the Beaufine Sprint (1000m).

Repossession completed a winning hat-trick that day and is being spoken of as an Ascot carnival force, giving the Beaufine form plenty of weight.

“She went sensational and just ran into a better one on the day,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“He’s (Repossession) is an up-and-coming horse.

“She’s been going along pretty good and I’m looking forward to Saturday.

“She’s trained on well and she’ll appreciate a wet track.

“She’s got a bit of quality about her.”

Brad Parnham takes the reins; Toropa drops in with 54kg and has drawn barrier eight. Parnham is chasing a fourth Bolton Sprint crown after previous wins aboard Phanta (2023), Profit Street (2017) and Electic (2007).

Miller will also saddle Timeless Gem in the Machinery West Handicap (1400m) as that galloper searches for consecutive victories.

Backing Toropa to break through in the Bolton Sprint or siding with Timeless Gem in the Machinery West Handicap? Lock in top value by shopping Australia’s leading betting sites before you play.