Simon Miller won’t come out a declare Iowa a sure thing in Sunday’s Boulder Cup (2116m), but the Ascot trainer is a big believer in his Galileo gelding.
“Behind the scenes he is just thriving,” Miller said on Tabradio.
“Each week he looks better and better.
“You look at his staying record and it’s been outstanding.
“He can go on the wet, go on top of the ground, race forward or sit behind them.
“He’s just the ultimate professional.
“All he has to do is travel up and if he travels up well, he’ll be a massive chance in this.
“His work behind the scenes has been identical to every other piece of work he’s done leading into his good wins.”
Iowa knows a thing or two about travelling. He commenced his racing career in Ireland and won three races in Sydney and Brisbane for Mark Newnham.’
He then made the switch to Perth and quickly hit his straps after winning back-to-back races at Belmont over 2100m and 2200m respectively in August.
Miller will be entering unchartered territory when he starts Iowa in the Boulder Cup, his first entrant in the Goldfields middle distance feature.
He’s also looking at capturing a rare staying stakes win after Rosmartini won the Belmont Classic (2200m) and Belmont Oaks (2100m) in 2016.
Miller said he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s an exciting journey and not only for the owners, but for us as well,” Miller said.
“I love training the stayers, it’s fun, but we don’t get the opportunity to do it.
“There’s a lot of mocking that goes on and everyone one wants to chip me along the way.
“But, it’s all good fun and banter.”
Following his two wins in the west, Iowa has worked his way to equal top in Tabtouch markets.
At $2.70 he shares market lead with Starry Heights, an eye-catching second in the Coolgardie Cup. Admiration Express the only other runner in single figure odds ($4).
Iowa has tightened into $3.40 and Starry Heights is easy from $2.50.
Iowa carries 54kg for Chris Parnham, a 6.5kg drop from his last-start victory.
In a field of nine, he jumps from barrier two.
While Miller is targeting his first Boulder Cup, Parnham is after his second.
The in-form hoop steered home Stafford’s Lad two years ago.
