3 minute read

Cup Night kicked on to win the listed Raconteur Stakes at Ascot on West Australian Derby Day for trainer Bernie Miller.

Cup Night was given a perfect ride by jockey Patrick Carberry who had the $2.70 favourite stalking one away from the fence in the run, with the well-fancied Altani fired out to lead under William Pike.

WATCH: Cup Night won R5 Morley Growers Market-Raconteur Stakes on @SchweppesAus WATC Derby Day at #AscotGoodTimes @TAB_touch @TABradio @theracesWA @SkyRacingAU @SGTurfClub pic.twitter.com/Z3tNP1OrgY

— Perth Racing (@PerthRacing) April 13, 2019

Altani ran them to the corner but was quickly under pressure and Cup Night pounced, taking over and quickly establishing a margin that couldn't be reeled back. Runner up Rebel Knight closed strongly late in the day but the winner had done enough to string together a third straight success in as many outings this campaign.

"We believe this horse has an enormous amount of ability," said trainer Bernie Miller.

"We want to be back here in the spring. Today was the test that told us that we are going the right way.

"He's a funny little quirky horse, he can lead, take a sit, settle last. He know's what he is doing. He's been here before."

Long terms plans are for Cup Night to aim at feature races in the spring and into summer but in the short term Miller is looking to run again this preparation and hopes another run can lay the foundation for even greater success later on.

"We will get over today and we will have a chat. I'll chat to the Carberrys, or they will tell me what to do, we'll discuss it and if he is going alright and he is fit and healthy then another acid test will do him good. He will go out a happy horse."