The Chris Waller-trained Mr Miller exhibited considerable class when he comfortably won the Bankstown Sports Handicap over 1500 metres.
Although this was a benchmark 78 race, Mr Miller is evidently a horse destined for greater things and is now being considered for a start in the highly competitive Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.
While Waller was attending the Memsie Stakes meeting at Caulfield, stable assistant Darren Beadman spoke highly of the colt.
“Mr Miller should be five (wins) from five (starts),” Beadman commented. “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.”
The $1.90 favourite, Mr Miller, delivered a performance that aligned with his market position under jockey Tommy Berry, surging clear to win by three lengths. He defeated stablemate Invader Zim ($61) and Silvanito ($31) finished third.
Jockey Tommy Berry, despite battling influenza, had a highly successful day, having already ridden three winners from the first five races on the program after earlier wins on Transcend and Zalique.
“I certainly don’t feel like I’ve ridden three winners,” Berry stated. “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 victory was the third from just five starts for Mr Miller, a four-year-old by Almanzor, adding to two previous, albeit unlucky, second placings.
TAB Fixed Odds reacted by significantly reducing his quote for the Epsom Handicap to $11, making him an equal third favourite. He is currently behind the undefeated New Zealand mare Well Written ($4.50) and Autumn Boy ($6).
Beadman noted that Mr Miller’s current handicap rating might be insufficient for Epsom Handicap inclusion. However, Waller has the option to target qualifying races such as the Cameron Handicap, Bill Ritchie Handicap, or Shannon Stakes to earn a start in the feature 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 explained. “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.”
The Epsom Handicap is a major target for many horses this season, and the betting action is expected to be intense. Keep an eye on the online bookmakers for the latest odds and offers.
