Angel Undercover wins at Ascot for jockey Zephen Johnston-Porter
Angel Undercover will seek redemption in the $100,000 Integra Insurance Brokers Mandurah Cup this weekend at Pinjarra, entering the race as the favourite at $2.75. The five-year-old mare, trained by Darren McAuliffe, has experienced a series of near-misses recently but remains a strong contender in this prestigious event.
In her previous outing, Angel Undercover, heavily backed to $1.65 for the Boxing Day Dash (1300m), finished a close second, narrowly losing to Sky Duke by a neck. This race proved challenging, as she had to make a long run after others faded, showcasing her determination on a day that favoured front-runners. Prior to that, she was denied victory in a dramatic finish against Without Reg at Ascot on December 6, 2023, leaving her supporters hopeful for a change in fortunes at the Mandurah Cup.
Despite drawing the outside barrier of eight, Angel Undercover has attracted significant support from punters, who have backed her from $3.50. She will be ridden by Chris Parnham, who has partnered with her in past races.
Competing against Angel Undercover in this 1400m contest is Cool Memory, who returns to racing at $3.20. Cool Memory began as the market favourite in the Hannans Handicap last October and has since shown promise with a previous victory in the Farnley Stakes. This race marks a significant moment for jockey Holly Nottle, as it will be her first time riding Cool Memory in a major event, and she will not be able to claim any weight allowance.
Without Reg, priced at $4.20, will start from gate one. His recent form has been impressive, while the seasoned veteran Kaptain Kaos, listed at $6, is also expected to make a strong showing after being defeated by Without Reg in their previous meeting.
Trainer Simon Miller Eyes Continued Success
Trainer Simon Miller is looking to build on his recent success following a noteworthy treble at Thursday’s Perth Cup meeting. He prepared Amaroo Star, Prospector’s Pick, and Madhi Girl, all of whom secured wins at Ascot, advancing him to third place in the metropolitan premiership in Western Australia.
Miller has two notable entries at Pinjarra, both of which have garnered attention from punters. Superfluous, who is currently favourite at $3.40, was once considered one of the top three-year-olds in the region. Recently, he participated in a promising trial behind stablemate Bold Hero. Miller expressed confidence in Superfluous, stating that the horse has improved significantly and is more suited to shorter distances.
“His trial was really good,” Miller noted. “He faced some trouble but finished strongly, and we’ve got our stable apprentice on, Jefferson Tsang. Look for a really good forward showing. When I keep him to the 1300-1400m range, he should perform well.”
With the three-kilo apprentice claim for this weekend’s Class 1 over 1300m, Superfluous will carry 58 kg from barrier four. His main rival according to the betting is Come On Emma, priced at $5, who has shown promise since transferring to Donna Riordan’s stable.
Later in the day, Miller will also saddle Shooting Spirit, listed at $4.40, in a Class 3 handicap. Despite facing challenges in previous races, Miller remains optimistic about Shooting Spirit’s potential.
“He’s been unlucky,” Miller remarked. “He’s encountered a lot of trouble and has drawn poorly in several races. However, this time he has found the right race and drawn a good gate.”
Miller also praised the recent Perth Cup meeting, highlighting a 15 percent increase in attendance at race days. “The crowd was fantastic,” he said, noting that over 11,000 people attended the event.
As the Mandurah Cup approaches, the excitement surrounding the race is palpable, with a mix of hopeful participants and encouraging crowds expected to make for a thrilling event at Pinjarra.
