After recapturing her best form, top mare Admiration Express will be given the opportunity of securing the second-leg of a feature race double at Kalgoorlie on the weekend.
Having locked away the Coolgardie Cup (1760m) in stylish fashion two weeks ago, her next Goldfields mission is Sunday’s $125,000 Listed Boulder Cup (2100m).
Trainer Jason Miller contemplated running Admiration Express in Saturday’s $100,000 Tabtouch Stakes (1600m) at Belmont, but says the Boulder Cup is a race that appeals.
“One reason was 59 ½ kg in the Tabtouch and 56 ½ in the Boulder Cup,” Miller said to Racing WA.
“It took a little bit to decide, but if she goes well on Sunday then we have the Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m).
“It’s easier to go from 2100m to a 2300m then if I went to a mile and up to the Kalgoorlie Cup.
“She handled the travel pretty well the other day and I thought I’d go back that way.”
Miller has dismissed any doubt that Admiration Express can run the Boulder Cup distance.
The five-year-old has not won past 1800m but does hold placings in the WA Oaks (2400m) and Natasha Stakes (2200m).
“Not really,” Miller responded about the distance query.
“She’s been placed over 2400m and as long as she settles, I’m really happy with her.”
Settling on pace, My Admiration turned for home in front and won the Coolgardie Cup by a neck.
Starry Heights was charging home from near last like a freight train, but fell just short.
The victory gave Miller renewed hope that Admiration Express was back to her imposing best.
As a three-year-old she won the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) and followed up in the autumn in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m).
The daughter of My Admiration then placed five times from her next 10 starts before landing a confidence-boosting victory in the Coolgardie Cup.
“I think her last four runs she’s been building,” Miller said.
“But it was definitely her best run.
“Her work has been good, she’s happy in herself.
“I had her down the beach today (Wednesday) and she was nice and bright.”
Clint Johnston-Porter retains the ride on Admiration Express in the Coolgardie Cup.