Racing: Miller’s hopes high for Mavrick

Port Kennedy trainer Sharon Miller will have high hopes that her Bletchley Park gelding Mavrick can build on his impressive maiden win when contesting this afternoon’s perthracing.com.au Handicap over 1000m at Belmont Park.

The four-year-old broke through for his first win in five career starts at Pinjarra two weeks back.

Pic: Sharon Miller

He shot out of the gates with a brilliant dash to lead from barrier to post for an impressive debut win.

He will jump from barrier seven with William Pike aboard, who is back riding in top form after a double last weekend with Reimbursement and Knightlike. Knightlike, who is prepared in Karnup by Grant Williams and owned by Bob and Sandra Peters, was ultra-impressive when winning the Barcon Logistics Handicap over 2000m.

The four-year-old settled last and was giving his rivals a big start entering the straight.

But he got into his stride down the outside of the track to hit the line in front with comfortable ease.

It was an emphatic win from the Viscount gelding and suggested he could be winning bigger and better races in the months ahead.

‘‘We were starting to get excited after his first run last year that he might develop into a derby contender, but he then bled,’’ Bob Peters said.

‘‘Butwetook our time with him and hopefully all is good now and our patience is being rewarded.’’

Knightlike has yet to miss a cheque in four starts, with two wins and two minor placings and prize money of $38,755.

Karnup trainer Adam Durrant has predicted further success for talented stayer Sense Of Purpose.

She showed consistent form heading into a decisive victory over Amberlyn and stablemate Mabel Grace.

Since resuming from a spell last December, she has developed into a model of consistency, with five wins and four placings from 13 starts.

‘‘I think she has the ability to win some of the easier staying races over the summer carnival,’’ Durrant said.