Trainer Jason Miller has indicated that a trip across state borders could be on the cards for Admiration Express, following her commanding victory in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Pinjarra on Saturday.
The five-year-old mare, sent out at $5, was piloted to perfection by in-form jockey Lucy Fiore and had the race won with 200 metres to go, dashing clear in the straight to win comfortably.
Buckets Ridge charged late into second but never truly threatened the winner, while Ginger Baker stuck on for third after setting the pace early. Race favourite Western Empire, attempting to complete the Hyperion Stakes–Strickland Stakes double, ran on from last to finish fourth but was never a serious danger.
The win marked Admiration Express’ second triumph at Group 3 level, having previously claimed the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m), also under Fiore’s guidance.
She has also taken out the Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and the Coolgardie Cup (1760m), and nearly caused an upset when finishing second to Light Infantry Man in last year’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).
With career earnings fast approaching the $1 million mark, Admiration Express has added to Miller’s excellent track record in the Strickland Stakes. This was his fourth win in the event as a trainer, with previous victories by Prince Turbo (2022) and Naughty By Nature (2021), and his first win in the race came as a jockey on Dedicated Miss in 2004.
Looking ahead, Miller expressed his eagerness to campaign Admiration Express in Melbourne during next year’s autumn carnival.
“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, by Maschino, also looks a promising carnival contender after three straight wins last prep, including the Listed Starstruck Classic (1600m).
Admiration Express capped off her winter targets with a solid prep that included appearances in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and a third-placed finish in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), where she turned the tables on Western Empire.
Fiore, who previously won the Strickland on Material Man for her father Justin Warwick, added another feather to her cap with this latest Group 3 success.
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