Blinkers to help Rose in Belgravia
Quality filly Miss Rose De Lago will blossom with the addition of blinkers in tomorrow's $100,000 Crown Perth Belgravia Stakes (1200m), according to trainer Simon Miller.
One of several strong contenders for Miller at Ascot's opening meeting, Miss Rose De Lago will race with blinkers for the first time. The daughter of Encosta De Lago has lived up to her reputation with an impressive start to her career.
She raced wide throughout when a close-up fourth to Hudson River at Belmont Park before gunning down Kheleva to win at the same track last month.
Miller has high hopes for Miss Rose De Lago, who cost $210,000 at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale.
"She's a high-quality filly up in grade, but I'm confident she'll be up to them, or at least match them," Miller said.
"She'll definitely improve with the shades on, no doubt.
"She was just going half-pace when she won last start and I thought I'd put them on to help her along. She'll run super."
Miller is chasing consecutive wins in the Belgravia Stakes after scoring a quinella with Miss Solis and Darlington Abbey last year.
Miss Rose De Lago will start from barrier one. Jockey Peter Knuckey chose to ride her over unbeaten gelding Testamezzo.
The TAB yesterday quoted Miss Rose De Lago at $8, with unbeaten filly Arcadia Rose the hot $3.30 favourite.
Petrol Power, a $6 chance, is not a certain starter. Trainer Jim Taylor will talk with owner Sam Trimboli today and decide whether the gelding lines up with the equal topweight of 58kg.
"I have to talk with the owner and it's probably 50-50," Taylor said. "I'm happy with him, but I don't think he can beat Arcadia Rose and Simon's filly with the weight and barrier (eight)."
Taylor will nominate Petrol Power for two races at Ascot tomorrow week if he is scratched from the Belgravia.
