Stephen Miller says Saintorio took a big step towards next month’s WA Guineas (1600m) after a heavy win in the Quayclean Handicap (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Ridden by Brad Parnham, Sainttorio had a perfect run behind the leader in third position and held on to beat Tri For Us by a short neck after hitting the front inside the final 100 meters.
It gave Saintorio, a son of Oratorio, his fourth career win from 11 starts, his first over a mile, and boosted his earnings and stakes bonus to nearly $400,000.
Miller, who prepared Variation to win the WA Guineas in 2016, said Sainttorio’s victory answered key questions.
“Yesterday (Saturday) was going to be a deciding part if he was going to get the mile and I always thought he was going to,” Miller told Tabradio.
“It was a pretty strong race and I thought it was a pretty good field and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t run in that (WA Guineas).
“He’s just a little fighter, but he’s a breeder and continues to come out every week and run reliable races.
“Even when he’s beaten, he always does his best and with those kinds of horses you don’t know where they’re going to end up.
“He’s a good pony who tries his heart out and gives us all a lot of fun.”
Miller said Sainttorio would go straight into the WA Guineas on November 19 and skip a short turn in Saturday’s Fairetha Stakes (1400m).
“I can put a nomination on her (Fairetha) or a graduation,” Miller said.
“I don’t want to test him against three-year-olds, Guineas day is the time.”
Sniparoochy continued a good day for Miller and Parnham as she pulled away to win the Byron Bay Premium Lager Handicap (1000m) by 2 ¼ lengths.
Sitting outside the leader Acromantula, she rode away from that lust to post her third straight win and first since last July’s Belmont.
Miller says the Jungle Mist Classic (1200m) is the next target for Sniparoochy with a crack at the Winterbottom Stakes also a consideration.
“If she won the really impressive Jungle Mist, it’s a big step forward,” Miller said.
“I’ve always had a thought for her and she’s going to be on the pace, so that’s a bit of a plus with her.”
While Saintorio and Sniparoochy were the highest for Miller and strengthened their Pinnacle claims, Last Of The Line hit a snag in the Asian Beau Stakes.
The Blackfriars boy was well on his way to the prized star after he punched and went off balance, missing out by a couple of lengths.
“It looks like he slipped on the near side,” Miller said.
“He’s been through it not too bad and he looks good himself and hopefully everything will be OK.”
Miller said the Railway Stakes remains the favorite for Last Of The Line and at this stage he will definitely go there.
Julio Santarelli
