Trainer Bernie Miller says a wide barrier draw is not a serious setback to the chances of Cup Night in the Group 3 Crown Perth Northerly Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
The five-year-old, racing second-up after a slashing second to Stageman in last fortnight’s Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m), drew barrier 13 in the 16-horse field.
“I would prefer a wide barrier than barrier one,” Miller told The Races WA.
“It’s not the end of the world where he is to be honest.
“I know he got up along the rails the other day (Black Heart Bart Stakes), but he doesn’t usually do that.
“I won’t be giving any instructions to Pat (Carbery), I will be leaving it up to him, but I imagine he will go back.
“If he does have to come from behind, I think he has the ability with luck in running to run over the top of them.”
Miller said Cup Night had improved since the Black Heart Bart Stakes, a race that confirmed the Maschino gelding had overcame a nasty virus in the autumn.
Cup Night missed a chunk of the winter carnival after winning the Listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m) and finishing runner-up to Free Trade in the Listed Pinjarra Classic (1300m) in February.
“He is working really well and has come on since his first-up run,” Miller said.
“His work on Tuesday has given me a lot of confidence and was probably his best-ever work.
“He was so strong and has pulled up a treat, I’m so pleased with him.
“His coat has come on and he looks a million dollars.
“There are no issues with him and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
Cup Night has won eight of 21 races and is nearing half-a-million dollars in stake earnings.
He is $7 with Tabtouch, behind Massimo ($5.50) and Red Can Man ($6). Money Matters ($7.50), Kay Cee ($7.50) and Vital Silver ($9.50) are also in single figures.
Miller has nominated Cup Night for the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
Carbery can clinch a third Northerly Stakes after winning on Prince Of Vasac (2005) and Megatic (2009).
Julio Santarelli