Mike Santich enjoys a low profile in WA racing but he might have to become accustomed to the limelight in upcoming months.
In the short term Santich will zero in and focus on the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra with tough filly, Glitterbell.
Later in the autumn he will turn his attention to exciting sprinter, Spangled Impact and her return for the rich pickings of the two-year-old features.
The daughter of Demerit has given Santich a sneak preview of her ability and the Ascot trainer is excited by what he has seen.
She raced on two occasions last year for twin victories, her previous in the Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m), ultra impressive.
She stormed home from near last with an electrifying turn-of-foot and put paid to her nearest rival by a decisive 1 1/4 lengths.
The filly presents as the best two-year-old to have raced in WA this season and Santich is keyed up for her impending return.
“She is back in work and is better than ever,” Santich said on TABradio.
“I’m looking forward to her next race.
“The aim is to bring her back for the Gimcrack Stakes.
“She is something special-trust me.
“I’ve been in racing for 30 years and she shows something I haven’t seen.”
Glitterbell earned a crack at the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy on February 7 after a dominant last-to-first victory at Ascot on Saturday.
The Proart filly had been racing well without winning and entered the race with sound performances behind two up and coming types.
She ran fourth to Scales Of Justice, beaten 1 1/2 lengths and third behind unbeaten gelding, Lite’n In My Veins, a fortnight ago.
Despite her form line she was virtually ignored by punters and started one of the outsiders of the ten horse line-up at $17.
“I was shocked and thought it was a crazy price,” Santich said.
“My only concern was the seven day back up.
“She is a gutsy little horse who has never been better.
“Last prep she had six runs and was in the money each time.
“Not many horses in Perth can do that.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli