Karnup trainer Jason Miller is looking forward to the Ascot summer carnival with his top-class mares Bonjoy (Maschino) and Admiration Express (My Admiration) and he’s already making plans for a classic campaign in the autumn with Herault (Gingerbread Man).

Herault won the Wittens Irrigation Maiden (1675m) at Bunbury on Thursday after returning from a winter spell with two seconds over shorter trips at Northam last month.  And Miller was more than happy with the result when the $3.40 favourite was judged the winner by a nose over Vexatious Rose (Universal Ruler).

“It’s a bonus because he’s still six months away.  He’s big and raw and only just got there but really handled the pressure sitting three-wide with cover.  It’s early days but I’ve liked him since his first start in a Pinjarra 2yo race back in May.  After cooling down his heart-rate told me he could be a Derby horse and we will probably send him around again in a couple of weeks over 2000m.”

The 2026 G2 WATC Derby (2400m) is scheduled for April 16.

Herault (3g Gingerbread Man - Valtellina by Blackfriars) is raced in partnership by Miller and his wife Sarah with Namerik Thoroughbreds owner Alan Bansemer who bred and sold him for $50,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.  He’s the first foal from a half-sister to Alsephina (Street Cry) who won a G3 La Trice Classic (1800m) at Ascot prior to a successful visit to Melbourne for the G2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Bansemer also bred his stablemate Admiration Express and Heeza Phoenix (Grunt) is another black-type winner in waiting off his Serpentine property for Mitch Pateman.  Heeza Phoenix was runner-up in the LR Fairetha Stakes (1400m) last Saturday and he’s priced at $8 to turn the tables on King Of Light (Earthlight) in the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) on November 22.

Yarradale Stud resident Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) isn’t known for siring black-type winning stayers apart from Chili Is Hot in the 2021 Belmont Oaks (2000m) and Ginger Baker is this year’s Bunbury South-West Cup (2200m).

The Gingerbread Man - Blackfriars cross has a 71% strike-rate headed by Perfect Sister.  The Dan Morton-trained 3yo filly can play a hand at the summer carnival if she can recapture the form from a brilliant debut win at Ascot on WA Derby Day in April.

Yarradale Stud is standing Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) and Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) for $5,500 fees (inc GST) this season.   For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty (0429 336 904).

Herault (light blue cap) wins his maiden at Bunbury on Thursday  Photo: Western Racepix