Simon Miller has a range of options to consider, but he’s almost certain to keep glamour mare Miss Conteki racing in Perth for the remainder of the year.
Group 1 races on the eastern seaboard were put on the agenda after the improving five-year-old scored another scintillating win at Ascot on Saturday.
The daughter of Eurozone charged home from the back of the field to win the Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m), reeling off a sizzling 33.22sec. for the last 600m.
It was her ninth win from 13 career starts and almost a carbon copy of her Summer Scorcher (1000m) victory at the same track a fortnight previously.
Her form has attracted significant eastern states interest with a dual Group 1 assault in Melbourne and Adelaide potential targets on offer for Miller.
The Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 22 and the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville later in May loom as suitable races.
Miller is not a trainer who is afraid of taking his horses interstate, but complicating matters is current Covid-19 restrictions and travelling arrangements.
Despite the lure of big races and rich prize purses, Simon Miller is leaning on playing the long game and taking a patient approach with Miss Conteki.
“I’m reluctant and I don’t want to get caught over there and run the risk,” Miller said on Tabradio.
“I know Deano (Melbourne form analyst) is hanging for me to get her over for the Oakleigh Plate, he’s pushing hard and obviously the Sangster as well.
“My gut tells me to stay here and play locals and put her out and aim for the Winterbottom.
“Then do the Sangster and Oakleigh 12-months later when you know logistically where the landscape with Covid is.
“That’s my gut feeling right now and to be fair Walshy (Peter Walsh-owner) and Chaddy (Mark Chadwick-owner) are happy to stay put.
“They would rather watch her here and not have to worry about quarantining or getting caught with Covid at the moment.
“But it’s hard when you look at how well she is going and it’s tempting to send her over.
“She’ll definitely going to the next race here (Scenic Blast) and then we’ll come up with a plan off the back of that.
“But I dare say she will stay local.”