Karnup trainer Jason Miller has all but ruled out a Kalgoorlie Cup campaign for in form stayer Fair Hunter who produced another top staying effort at Belmont last weekend.
The Trade Fair gelding displayed his versatility when he led from the outset and won by a comfortable 2 ½ lengths from Hibernian to continue his outstanding winter campaign.
Fair Hunter hasn’t been beaten in three starts after finishing strongly from the tail to defeat Cyber Crime and Verdello Blue respectively.
Miller admitted the Kalgoorlie Cup had been an option for Fair Hunter but believes there are more suitable options closer to home.
“I am leaning towards next year’s Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups,” said Miller.
“And if he continues to go as well as he has then something like the Perth Cup is on the cards.
“He is a notoriously bad floater and an eight hour trip to the Goldfields wouldn’t do him any justice.
“But if he learns to relax and matures I wouldn’t rule our next year’s Kalgoorlie Cup.”
Miller, who doubles as stable foreman for leading trainer and good friend Adam Durrant, will saddle State Form in Thursday’s Rural Press Maiden (1600m) at Pinjarra.
Miller believes State Form, unplaced in two lifetime starts, is better than what his record would suggest.
“He has finished midfield and has been a bit green in his runs,” said Miller.
“I’m putting him over the mile and wouldn’t be surprised if he runs a cheeky race.
“He will definitely be hitting the line.”
Meanwhile at Belmont on Wednesday the Simon Miller-trained Mia China Doll will look to make it three wins from as many starts in the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1400m).
The Helter Skelter filly score an impressive debut win at Pinjarra and stepped up to mid week city company with an easy front running win over Dual City last fortnight.
“She pulled up really good off the back of that run,” said Miller.
“The longer she goes this preparation the better she seems to appear.
“She is definitely a Saturday horse but I elected to go mid week to get an easy kill.”
Stable mate Paratonnerre, unplaced in three starts this campaign, will look to breakthrough in the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1200m).
“I wouldn’t be worried by her race day record as she has had excuses,” said Miller.
“Her track work at home has been very good.”
Later in race six expect improvement from the Simon Miller-trained Diamond who resumes after a poor maiden run at Bunbury last November.
The Akhenaton filly faded to finish 11th of 12 and more than eight lengths from Statements when racing first up over 1400m.
Miller was impressed by her recent trial when she ran second to Dusock over 1000m.
“She needs to step up but off the trial you would think she will be acquitting herself well,” said Miller.
“She pulled up shin sore first up so there were genuine excuses and we gave her the benefit of the doubt.
“If you go on track work and trials this time in then she is definitely going better than last preparation which is always a good sign.”