McMillan to tackle All Star army

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Terry McMillan will add some local flavour to the two feature races at Ashburton Raceway on Sunday where he will come up against a spate of All Stars runners.

He will be represented by debutant Trail Boss in the Gr.2 Sapling Stakes (1700m) and fellow first starter Vinta Rose in the Gr.3 Helen Pope 2YO Fillies Stakes (1700m).

McMillan has been impressed by Vanita Rose and he is looking forward to seeing how she handles her first raceday assignment.

“She has gone very well at the trials. She is a nice, strong filly and we thought we might as well have a run and see how she goes,” McMillan said.

“She is a very nice filly with a bright future.”

McMillan had the same thoughts with Trail Boss.

“He is in the same boat. We thought seeming as they are going to be turned out after Sunday and he is trialling so well, we though we would have a go with him and see how we go,” he said.

“I really like him. He is going to be much better when he matures.

“His trials have been very good all the way through. He has run quick times and he seems to be doing everything right.”

While both horses face a stiff task first-up, McMillan said he is just happy to be contesting Group races with horses that he also bred.

“It is good to be racing with them (All Stars) and see how we go. It is good to be there, especially when we bred them ourselves too,” he said.

McMillan is hoping they can follow in the same steps as multiple Group One-winner Tornado Valley, at trotter McMillan bred and initially trained.

“Tornado Valley was a star,” McMillan said. “We bred him and for him to do such a wonderful job in Australia was a big thrill.”

McMillan is also looking forward to lining up Crimson Rock in the Allenton Pharmacy Pace (2400m) on Sunday.

“She has gone well in her first two starts,” he said.

“She has drawn well (4), so if she can get away well and get a nice trip she should go very well. I would be disappointed if she didn’t.”