Rising star issues ominous Cup warning

RISING star Miki To Success issued an ominous warning at Globe Derby just moments ago.

Sent across the border to tackle a South Australia Cup heat, the Emma Stewart-trained entire not only succeeded in his mission, he broke the track record in the process, sending a clear message to his rivals ahead of next week's Final.

Rating 1:56.2 over 2645 metres, Miki To Success slashed six-tenths of a second from Smolda's mark set during the 2017 Cup when trained and driven by champion New Zealand horseman Mark Purdon.

Amazingly, Stewart-trained runners now hold the three mobile start pacing track records at the venue.

Former top pacer Guaranteed established the 2230-metre track record of 1:54.4 by winning the 2015 Cup, while Encipher rated 1:52.4 over 1800 metres when triumphant in the 2022 South Australia Oaks!

With Wayne Hill holding the reins, Miki To Success was caught three-wide early before working to the lead as early front runner, Betterzippit, was eased to take a trail.

Never seriously challenged, the son of Always B Miki cruised to a dominating nine-and-a-half metre win from Dhaulagiri, with Hezrockinroyalty 15 metres away third.

"He drew barrier 10, but we never felt it was an issue," Stewart said. "He looked to have a bit on the others and won accordingly.

"That was his first start in five weeks, so he will benefit from it and be better again next week in the Cup."

Leading local trainer Ryan Hryhorec secured the opening qualifier with Lord Zarias, which led throughout from the pole with Gaita Pullicino in the cart.

Fresh from his win in Port PIrie three weeks ago, Lord Zarias accounted for Delightfull Tammy and Hot Deal in 1:58.6.

The son of Changeover is no stranger to Cup glory, having won the Victor Harbor, Port Pirie Pacing and Ladbrokes Cups.