Miss Jupiter is one of the least experienced runners in the 2YO and 3YO Goldfields Magic Millions Classic (1200m), faces career-best opposition and is awkwardly drawn, so the odds are stacked against her to claim her first major victory.
But while trainer Rickie Brown acknowledges Miss Jupiter has the task ahead of her, he believes the Planet Five filly should not be underestimated after she posted a confidence-boosting victory over Longschamp (1100m) two weeks ago.
Racing second-up this campaign Miss Jupiter ran on strongly over the concluding stages to score by a narrow head margin, consolidating Brown’s opinion that she had the firepower to upstage her more fancied rivals on Sunday.
“I thought after that run and performance it was good enough to accept with her,” Brown said.
“I believe both her runs this time in have been great.
“First-up she got caught on the wrong side of the track and her fitness told.
“She does have the task ahead of her and we are having a throw at the stumps.
“But I think she has a fair amount of ability and you can’t ignore the prize money on offer.
“I’m quietly confident she will acquit herself well.”
Miss Jupiter and Strate Red, trained by Pat Bermingham Jnr, will fly the Kalgoorlie flag against a hot group of Perth raiders, headed by Brett Albuino’s Patrimonio, the Lindsey Smith-trained, It’s Dynamite and Kentucky Lass and Snitzalong, two of three runners for, Neville Parnham.
Patrimonio won at Belmont two starts back and although well beaten last-start he made up a lot of ground when he chased hard for fourth behind the highly talented, State Solicitor, a gelding who is being touted as an Ascot carnival horse later this year.
It’s Dynamite will be desperate to shed her bridesmaid status after six placings from her previous eight starts. The Alfred Nobel filly can give Smith his second success in the 2YO and 3YO Goldfields Magic Millions Classic after Mr Motown won 12-months ago.
Kentucky Lass resumes after a 36-day freshen-up. The War Chant filly has not raced since finishing 1 ¼ lengths third to Uptown Funk at Belmont last month. Stable mate Snitzalong broke his maiden status in Kalgoorlie three weeks ago, defeating Rosenberg by under a length.
Brown says top apprentice, Clint Johnston-Porter, who retains the ride on Miss Jupiter, will be a major boost to her chances from a tricky draw. In a field of eight the pair combine from the second widest gate.
“I would have been quietly confident if she had drawn closer to an inside position,” Brown said.
“It’s now a decision as to whether she goes forward or back, but that will be up to Clint.
“He is riding with great confidence and understands the track well.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli