After more than 50 years in the game, Stephen Miller knows racing’s thin line between triumph and torment—but even he’s feeling the strain after a string of near‑misses in stakes company. He’ll pin fresh hopes on Toropa in Saturday’s Listed Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Bunbury.

Since May, Miller’s stable has racked up eight Group and Listed placings without landing the big one. Magnificent Andy has twice been edged—by a neck in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and a long head in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m); Elite Missile fell a short neck shy in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m); Kimberley Rose and Toropa have also flown the flag.

Toropa began her career with retired trainer Vern Brockman, bursting out of the blocks to win five in a row before transferring to Miller. She now tackles the Bolton off a strong second to boom sprinter Repossession in the Beaufine Sprint (1000m), a race the winner used to complete a hat‑trick and stamp Ascot carnival credentials.

Miller liked what he saw.

“She went sensational and just ran into a better one on the day,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“He’s (Repossession) is an up-and-coming horse.

“She’s been going along pretty good and I’m looking forward to Saturday.

“She’s trained on well and she’ll appreciate a wet track.

“She’s got a bit of quality about her.”

Brad Parnham climbs back aboard Toropa after partnering Repossession last start. She carries the 54kg minimum from gate eight as Parnham hunts a fourth Bolton Sprint trophy, having scored with Phanta (2023), Profit Street (2017) and Electic (2007).

Miller will also saddle Timeless Gem in the Machinery West Handicap (1400m), confident the galloper can go back‑to‑back.

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