Trainer Simon Miller is looking forward to the upcoming Ascot season with his rejuvenated sprinter Eliteone.
In three outings this month, the Ducimus gelding has won twice on either side of a luckless placing at Belmont and Miller is confident that consistency will be rewarded when Ascot resumes on October 11.
Eliteone had won an Ascot juvenile on debut as a late-season 2yo and wintered as one of the favourites for our 3yo feature races in 2023-24. But that didn’t eventuate with unplaced runs in all six starts ranging from the Max Simmons Classic (1000m) in October to the John Roberts Stakes (1800m) in March.
Eliteone (blinkers) ranges up late to win at Belmont on Saturday / Photo: Western Racepix
“He lost his way so we gave him a good break,” Miller recalled after he defeated Immortal Bliss (I Am Immortal) and King Adviso (Animal Kingdom) in the Morley Growers Market Hcp (1200m) on Saturday.
“He was a nervous horse but that changed with some rehab behind the scenes with Keith Reeves down at Nui Mara Farm.” Miller also thanked his wife Ellie who is veterinarian.
“He’s a happy horse now and handled the seven-day turnaround. He was conceding the leaders a big start but had put the writing on the wall after that unlucky run last week when he was wide throughout.”
Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter said Saturday’s fifth win in 17 starts was a career-best victory for a Mario Zito managed syndicate.
“I went back from wide gate and didn’t really think we were a chance at the 100 metres. But he jumped out of the ground and got there right on the line.”
Eliteone was bred by Rivercrest Park owner Steve Hoare who stood Ducimus for Orbis Bloodstock until he was purchased by Ridgeport Farm owner Santo Guagliardo last year. His dam Many Secrets (Viscount) followed up with Durrant Racing’s unraced 3yo Ducimus gelding Too Many Secrets.
Ridgeport Farm stands Ducimus (Snitzel) for $5,500 alongside Rommel (Commands) at $5,500. Both fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).
