Impressive two-year-old Golden Vale took an important early step to next month’s Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) in trial at Lark Hill on Monday.
Golden Vale, who made a winning debut at Ascot in October, was narrowly beaten by Glasgow Lass in the 950m trial.
Jockey William Pike allowed the Churchill filly to sit outside The Top Bar after she jumped cleanly and was only run down by Glasgow Lass in the final strides of the heat.
Trainer Simon Miller , who has won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic twice, said he was pleased with Golden Vale’s first outing for the campaign.
“She needed it,” Miller told The Races WA.
“She was a bit aggressive early in the trial and I think the heat got to her prior to it.
“She had a good puff after it and she will strip fitter.
“William said he wouldn’t ride her that way in a race.”
Golden Vale is set to return to the races as early as January 27 over 1100m, but Miller said he could wait a week and start her over 1000m.
Miller said he was confident Golden Vale would get every chance to replicate stablemate Valour Road’s 2018 Magic Millions-Karrakatta Plate double.
“She’s got a brain and she’s got an engine and that’s what you need,” he said.
“She’s a Karrakatta filly all day long and we will peak her for both of them.
“She’s just a good horse.”
Meanwhile, Miller will be looking for another feature race win at Pinjarra on Wednesday when It’sarayday lines up in the Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m).
The Listed event was postponed to Wednesday, after Saturday’s Ascot meeting was abandoned due to heat.
Miller said the extra four days and 1200m trip instead of 1100m wouldn’t bother the five-year-old.
“He’s flying and was unlucky first-up,” he said.
“He’s in the zone and if he’s given clear air, he will let rip.
“He’s had a lot of issues which curtailed him a bit.
“Behind the scenes we seem to be on top of it all.”
