Outstanding filly Night War confirmed her status as Perth’s best juvenile with a stunning win from an outside barrier in today’s $500,000 Group Two Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot.

One of two runners in the race for Aquanita trainer Simon Miller (the other Single Spice ran fourth at big odds), Night War produced a share sprint over the concluding stages to hit the front and then out her rivals for a great win.

The effort was first class considering she jumped from barrier 13 in a field of 16 in the state’s premier race for juveniles.

“I just can’t believe it – I’m speechless,” a delighted Simon Miller said moments after the race.

Miller said he was confident he had his two runners in good shape for the Karrakatta but admitted to having that confidence dented with the barrier draw earlier in the week.

In the original 20 horse field Night War drew 16 and Single Spice 19.

“Tuesday I was absolutely shattered,” Miller commented. “I really have to pay tribute to Deane Lester – a mate of mine from Melbourne.”

“We’re really tight and he did a speed map – spent four or five hours, watched every two-year-old race and emailled me an overhead view of where we were going to be and I just flicked it onto the boys and said this is what we’re going to be doing.”

“They were mesmerised by it and everyone had a clearer picture of what we had to do. He’s a whiz Deano and it turned out as he thought – he’s a star.”

“The other filly Single Spic run super with the shades on. I was really shattered for her when she drew the outside alley because she’s going so well but having no luck.”

“But then again you look at Night War’s run and she’s had no luck at all – she just keeps bouncing back.”

“We knew she in the zone – ready to play ball,” Miller added.

“I must thank the big team behind me – the stable foreman – Jess Hill as well does all the work with this filly – there’s so many in the team and I think it’s going to be a long night tonight.”

Night War will most likely head to the paddock – although Miller said he could entertain a Golden Slipper run if connections wanted to pay a late entry fee.

“Single Spice will probably head onto the Sires’ (Produce Stakes) and hopefully draw a barrier.”

“I think with Night War we’ll probably stop and put her out – but if the boys want to pay the late entry fee for the (Golden) Slipper who knows.”

“They were having a bit of a laugh about that – I will leave it up to them.”

Today’s Karrakatta Plate win was just what Miller was looking for as he continues to establish himself as one of the city’s newer, but most successful trainers.

“We came in pretty quiet here and had a bit of luck with some tried horses and last year was the first time I really bought up and had a crack at the babies and these are really the first two-year-olds.”

“It’s very rewarding. We’ve had another roll at the stumps this year – so hopefully next year is good as well.”

Winning rider Patrick Carbery said the performance from Night War was nothing short of first class.

“I didn’t use the stick on her much. She’s one of those horses who always tries their best.”

“She’s done her job, through and through – this was her Grand Final.”

As well as thanking the stable staff, Carbery praised his fiancee Jessica Hill for her work with Night War.

“My beautiful fiancee Jess rides this horse every single day – the two little rangas are a little team. The only time I get to ride her is on race day and a lot of credit goes to her.”

Night War capped a memorable day for Gerry Harvey and his Baramul Stud operation.

Earlier Harvey celebrated the brilliant win of his home bred Aloha in the Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.

Harvey bred Night War and sold the daughter of General Nediym for $90,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

She is now raced in partnership by former Fremantle Dockers AFL star Peter Bell and business partner Ray Meadowcroft.

A daughter of County Tyrone’s city winning half sister Samar (Secret Savings), Night War has earned connections over $375,000 already from just four starts.

Winner: Night War (General Nediym-Samar)
Race: WATC Karrakatta Plate G2 (1200m)
Sold for: $90,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Aquanita Racing
Earnings: $378,696
Owner(s): Mr PF Bell & Mr RD Meadowcroft
Trainer: Simon Miller (Ascot)