Horcrux’s last start fourth in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) left jockey Jordan Turner suitably impressed and he believes it’s a strong selling point for the Simon Miller-trained galloper going into Saturday’s Listed Seacorp Fairetha Stakes (1400m).
Jordan Turner was taken by Horcrux’s valiant effort in the Belgravia Stakes when he worked across from a wide barrier to take up the front running duties before being swamped late by stable mate West Star, September Born and Exceed The Planet.
“There was quite a strong head wind down the back in that race and people don’t take much note how strong it is out there,” Turner said on Tabradio.
“He had to do that little bit of work to cross from a wide barrier and he was pretty game in defeat, I thought.
“Once West Star went past me, he tried to kick again and I think drawing a good gate on Saturday is very beneficial for his chances.”
After drawing barrier nine in the Belgravia Stakes, Horcrux has the luxury of gate three.
A son of Rommell, Horcrux is having his third lifetime start after winning on debut for Turner at Belmont in July and can deliver Miller a fourth Fairetha success.
Horcrux can join Miller’s previous winners It’sarayday (2022), Saint Bro (2014) and Ron’s Call (2012).
While Turner and Miller look to successfully combine with youngster Horcrux in the Fairetha, they turn to experienced nine-year-old Valour Road in the Group 2 Perth Racing Member Appreciation-Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
The equine millionaire has been a war horse for Miller, winning 11 races, the latest, this event, the Lee Steere Stakes a year ago when he defeated Group 1 champion Dom To Shoot.
Turner got a handle on Valour Road for the first time after resuming in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) when he faded late to fourth after trying to chase down Comfort Me.
Valour Road is close to the end of his career, but despite his rising years he maintains a zest for racing and Turner believes he will be competitive in defense of his Lee Steere Stakes trophy.
“He probably got a bit tired in the last 100m and 150m,” Turner said of Valour Road in the Eurythmic Stakes.
“But I think he’s come through that run really well and should improve from that.
“I came away and thought it was a really nice run
“We’ve drawn a little bit awkward, but he’s a tough, old horse.
“He’s been an honest horse, always competing at that top level.
“He just keeps going.”
Turner reunites with his Bunbury Cup hero Blazing Away in the Listed Luckygray Stakes (1800m) and says he’s capable of scoring a win if he can reproduce his best.
Meanwhile, Turner says he’s eagerly awaiting the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) after Flower Of Gold rattled home for third in Tuesday’s Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m).
“I thought it was the best run and if not the second best,” Turner said.
“I thought she was only getting warm the last bit.
“She’s really going to suit the mile next start.
“She’s a very nice horse in the making.”
The Champion Fillies Stakes, at Group 3 level, is run at Ascot on November 16.
