Mr Miller's Epsom Handicap Ambitions Grow After Bankstown Sports Handicap Win

The Chris Waller-trained Mr Miller demonstrated his burgeoning talent with a decisive victory in the Bankstown Sports Handicap over 1500 metres.

While the race was a benchmark 78, the performance of Mr Miller strongly suggests he is a stakes-level galloper in the making. Plans are now in motion to provide him with an opportunity to qualify for the lucrative Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m), scheduled for Royal Randwick on October 3.

With Waller occupied at the Caulfield track for the Memsie Stakes meeting, his stable representative, Darren Beadman, offered his assessment of the colt.

"Mr Miller should be five (wins) from five (starts),'' Beadman remarked. "He's a very push-button type of horse and puts himself into the right spots in his races. He has the turn of foot to put them away quickly.''

Mr Miller, the $1.90 favourite, did precisely that under the guidance of jockey Tommy Berry, extending his lead to win by three lengths. He defeated stablemate Invader Zim ($61) by a significant margin, with Silvanito ($31) finishing in third.

Jockey Tommy Berry, despite contending with a severe bout of influenza, had an exceptional day, having already ridden three winners on the program prior to this race, following earlier successes on Transcend and Zalique.

"I certainly don't feel like I've ridden three winners,'' Berry conveyed. "But it is worth it when you get to ride nice horses like Mr Miller.

"He's a real natural, this bloke. He's very fast out of the machines then as soon as you put him in a spot, he switches off.

"I loved how he picked up around the bend and he feels like he has so many gears.

"He hit the front a long way out and wanted to have a look around but I still made him find the line as he will be up against bigger races and stronger opposition soon.''

This win marked the third triumph for the four-year-old son of Almanzor, who has now raced five times, with his other two starts resulting in narrow second placings.

TAB Fixed Odds responded by significantly shortening Mr Miller's price for the Epsom Handicap, installing him as an $11 equal third favourite. He trails only the undefeated New Zealand mare Well Written ($4.50) and Autumn Boy ($6) in the betting.

Beadman explained that Mr Miller's current rating might not be sufficient for direct Epsom Handicap entry. However, Waller has the option of utilising qualifying races like the Cameron Handicap, Bill Ritchie Handicap, or Shannon Stakes to secure a place in the prestigious Randwick mile event.

"I think his rating might be too low to get into an Epsom at the moment but he could get there through one of those qualifying races,'' Beadman elaborated. "Chris has given him plenty of time and everything this horse has done so far has been very impressive.

"He is certainly a horse that is getting everyone to take notice of him.''

With the Epsom Handicap approaching, the competition is heating up, and keen punters are looking for the best opportunities. Explore the latest betting markets for the race and find your edge.