Promising Perth sprinter First Among Equals will head up trainer Simon Miller’s assault on the Eastern States for next year’s Autumn Carnivals.
First Among Equals finished second to Takedown, above, in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot. Photo by Daniel Costello.
First Among Equals ran a mighty race last Saturday when fourth to Takedown in the Group 1 $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth and will head a small team that will be based at Caulfield over the Autumn months.
“I could have up to about six horses that I would be keen to bring across,” Miller told racing.com.
“I’ve been wanting to do it for a while and I finally think I’ve got the right team of horses to not just bring across but to also keep the stable ticking over in Perth.
“Owners are always keen to test their horses in the east if they have one good enough and I think there are a few here that could be competitive.
“I’d be looking to come across and base the team at Caulfield and then travel from there.”
Miller will give First Among Equals one more run over the Perth Carnival in the Group 3 $250,000 A.J. Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on December 10 before spending some time in the paddock prior to his Autumn preparation.
Miller is leaning towards setting First Among Equals for the Group 1 $500,000 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 20 and also looking to suitable races over the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
“Melbourne might just come around too soon for him,” Miller said.
“I’m mindful that the horses who would be competing in Melbourne in the autumn are already resting and we are still racing, so it would probably be a race against time.
“Adelaide for something like the Goodwood and then maybe on to Brisbane is more realistic.”
Miller tested the waters during the Melbourne Spring Carnival with his smart filly Whispering Brook who was able to finish third behind Global Glamour and I Am A Star in the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 8.
The Hinchinbrook filly was also placed second to Merriest in the Listed $120,000 Mitchelton Wines Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 3 and returned home to Perth to run sixth to Variation in the Group 2 $500,000 Sky Racing-W.A. Guineas (1600m) at Ascot on November 19.
