Mr Miller makes his mark at Warwick Farm
Talented four-year-old Mr Miller (NZ) (Almanzor) lived up to his lofty reputation with an effortless victory over 1400m at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, prompting connections to dream of more ambitious spring targets.
The son of Almanzor was sent out the $1.28 favourite for the BenchMark 72 contest and punters never had a moment of concern as the Chris Waller-trained gelding scored by two and a half lengths in the hands of James McDonald.
The same race was won two years ago by Yorkshire (Snitzel), who subsequently charged through the grades and has now won eight races and A$1.7 million in prizemoney.
Mr Miller will be hoping to follow a similar trajectory, having already compiled an impressive record since joining Waller. He has won two of his four starts for the champion trainer and finished runner-up in the other two.
Wednesday's victory also atoned for a luckless defeat at the back end of his previous campaign and continued the rapid progression of a horse who has made a big impression since crossing the Tasman.
"He is obviously a classy individual," assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. "He has taken a bit of time to mentally work it all out, and I still think there is further improvement in that department.
"He is a highly progressive horse and has a very bright future.
"In the actual race I thought he behaved beautifully, but it's all about the trimmings around the edges. He knocked over a strapper last Friday and he can be a bit of a lad at times.
"We will work it out, and as we get a bit deeper into the prep it will take a bit of fizz out of him, and he will make it to a decent level."
That level could potentially include the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 3, with connections harbouring hopes that Mr Miller could work his way into the feature with a light weight.
"We were hoping he could be a lightweight hope in the Epsom," Duckworth said. "It is obviously a long way to go from a Wednesday to an Epsom, but you have to dream."
McDonald was similarly taken with the performance and believes Mr Miller has made significant strides both physically and mentally since arriving in Australia.
"He is a lovely progressive horse, with a beautiful form line, and he is just lightly raced," McDonald said.
"He has improved physically. You can see what a lovely looking horse he is, with good muscle and a good turn of foot.
"He has matured in the mind a lot more in comparison to six months ago. That's the beauty of that stable, they give them time to flourish, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is a lightweight Epsom chance."
By Almanzor out of the winning Pins mare Miss Miller (NZ), Mr Miller was bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax's Blandford Lodge.
He was offered through Blandford Lodge's draft at the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale, where he failed to meet his $80,000 reserve.
Mr Miller subsequently entered the Matamata stable of Pam Gerard and demonstrated considerable ability without presenting on raceday in New Zealand.
A multiple trial winner, he caught the eye with an effortless 1100m heat success at Taupo late last year, after which he was purchased privately and transferred to Waller's powerful Sydney operation.
The gelding now races in the colours of a syndicate headed by prominent owner Ozzie Kheir, with Wednesday's dominant display suggesting their patience could be rewarded further.
