Jason Miller is poised to chase more Strickland Stakes fame with Admiration Express, who narrowly missed out on a major win last season.

The storied mare will contest Saturday’s Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Pinjarra, seeking to give Miller a fourth victory in the race against nine others.

Miller’s first success in the race came as a jockey on Dedicated Miss in 2004. As a trainer, he then captured back-to-back wins with Naughty By Nature (2021) and Prince Turbo (2022).

Admiration Express is expected to peak at third-up and relish the extended trip, says Miller.

She delivered a strong run for second in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, then showed late stamina to finish fourth in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m), just two lengths behind Western Empire.

“I think she’s definitely a good chance,” Miller said. “Western Empire, Hemlock Stone, a few of them are going to be hard to beat, but she’s taken improvement from each run.”

“Up to 2000m I think she’s as good a chance as any.”

“Fitness is good, everything is good, I’ve just had to keep her happy.”

“She’s bouncing around behind the scenes and I’m happy with her.”

“She’s well, she’s fit, she’s in with a good chance.”

With barrier six drawn and aboard In-form rider Lucy Fiore, Admiration Express has drawn punter attention, shortening from $9 to $6.

Stable favourites Western Empire ($1.90) and Hemlock Stone ($4.80) represent Grant and Alana Williams, alongside Bucket’s Ridge ($11) and longshot Starry Heights ($51).

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