Jockey Declan Bates plots another Flemington upset on Milford

Despite a barnstorming second-up victory last start, Milford remains at juicy odds at Flemington tomorrow … and jockey Declan Bates can’t understand why.

Jockey Declan Bates would like to cause another Flemington upset on Milford.

The Michael Moroney-trained galloper burst between horses late to score second-up over 1600m as a $31 outsider.

He had raced well before second-up, placed in three of six attempts, but not yet won.

Milford, a $15 chance with TAB in the 2000m Benchmark 100 on Saturday, won the 2022 Easter Cup (2000m) third-up previously.

Silent Surrente ($4), Political Debate ($6.50) and Beltoro ($9) lead the market from Virtuous Circle ($10), Aberfeldie Boy ($11) and Red Sun Sensation ($14).

“The race Saturday looks an ideal third-up race for him,” Bates said.

“You’d think it will be more suitable really, so on paper you’d think off that win he should be in with a big chance.”

Milford upsets the favourites, storming home to victory in the L.V Lachal Handicap.

📽@7HorseRacingpic.twitter.com/FtjNf0M6QO

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) May 18, 2024

• Aaron Mills’ tips, race-by-race analysis for Flemington on Saturday: $8 best bet

Milford has won five of 32 starts and placed eight times including three at 2000m last winter at Caulfield, Flemington and The Valley, beaten less than a length combined.

“He’s a good horse, he has bits of good form,” Bates said.

“He probably surprised me how well he sprinted over the mile to reel them, who’s to say he can’t win again?”

Assistant trainer Glen Thompson praised Bates’s ride on Milford last start.

“It was a 10/10 ride from Declan and we saw him (Milford) back to his best,” Thompson said.

“Hopefully we see the same again Saturday.

“He’s (Milford) done very well since his win the other day, worked great on Tuesday, expect him to run very well again.

“He’s given every indication he’ll run well.”

Losesomewinmore with a storming finish dominates the Stud And Stable Staff Awards.

📽@7HorseRacingpic.twitter.com/8z6K4wjcIE

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) May 18, 2024

• Busuttin’s warning: Promising Craig ‘priced on potential’

Meanwhile, Bates is sweating on first emergency Losesomewinmore to get a run in the last, a 1200m Benchmark 84.

Losesomewinmore, trained by Richard and Chantelle Jolly, displayed a slick turn of foot to win a Benchmark 70 at Flemington last start.

Originally published as Jockey Declan Bates plots another Flemington upset on Milford