Admiration Express has bolted into interstate contention following a commanding win in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Pinjarra.

Trained by Jason Miller and guided by in-form jockey Lucy Fiore, the $5 chance exploded clear in the final 200m to seal a dominant victory.

Buckets Ridge closed late for second, while Ginger Baker boxed on for third after leading.

Race favourite Western Empire, aiming for the Hyperion-Strickland double, ran on into fourth but never threatened.

This marks Admiration Express’s second Group 3 title, having previously taken out the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).

She also boasts Listed wins in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and Coolgardie Cup (1760m), and nearly caused an upset in last year’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).

Miller, who notched his fourth Strickland Stakes win, now has eyes on Melbourne’s autumn carnival.

“She’s a little superstar,” Miller said.

The mare’s lead-up included runs in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m), where she placed third.

Miller is also considering taking Bonjoy, winner of the Listed Starstruck Classic (1600m), to Victoria.