By Adam Hamilton
HOW things can change in just three weeks.
As we watched Lazarus’ phenomenal Hunter Cup win, most conceded the Miracle Mile to him.
Now, off the back of a below-par run last week and horror draw, one of all-time greats may not even start favourite in the $750,000 race at Menangle on Saturday night.
ADAM HAMILTON looks through the Miracle Mile and all the great support races at Menangle.
RACE 7 – MIRACLE MILE
I have never been more confused by a feature race.
As great as LAZARUS (10) is, I can’t tip him from the draw after last week’s run. Going with MY FIELD MARSHAL (4) as each-way value. Drawn to get the right run. SOHO TRIBECA (6) is flying and went super last week. Drawn to make own luck. Hard to beat. LAZARUS (10) is a champ and I can’t leave him out of the top three. LENNYTHESHARK (7) would relish a quiet run off the pace if it’s a 1min47sec mile. TIGER TARA (1), JILLIBY KUNG FU (5) have place claims. Much harder this week for ANYTHING FOR LOVE (3).
SUGGESTED BET: Something each-way MY FIELD MARSHAL (4) at $10 or better.
RACE 5 – NSW DERBY
Slight leaning to COLT THIRTY ONE (1) from the draw. Tough Victoria Derby winner and has the speed to use this draw. MARAETAI (5) is untapped. Monster heat win. Huge threat. POSTER BOY (4) is all class and drawn well. MAJOR TIMES (2) will give cheek from ideal draw after ripper run last week. Places claims to THE DEVILS OWN (11) and HIGHERTHANANEAGLE (6).
SUGGESTED BET: The value is MARAETAI (5) each-way at $7.50 or better.
RACE 3 – NSW OAKS
Can’t split FAME ASSURED (4) and NOSTRA VILLA (8). Pushed, I’ll go FAME ASSURED from the better draw and after the speed she showed to win her heat. NOSTRA VILLA (8) was amazing after being mauled in front last week. So tough and classy. Huge chance. SOHO BURNING LOVE (11) had no luck last week, but this draw hurts. Consider. IMPRINCESSGEMMA (2) led and won well in a tactical heat. Drawn well again. SHEZ ALL ROCK (5) oozes potential and has place claims and IDEAL PLEASURE (3) could place from good draw as well.
SUGGESTED BET: FAME ASSURED (4) each-way at $5 or better.
RACE 4 – LADYSHIP MILE
The draw points to AMERETTO (2) in a fantastic Ladyship. Ripper Hunter Cup run then did all the work last week from awful draw when brave. Stablemate OUR GOLDEN GODDESS (4) beat a similarly hot field, but led in the Ladyship Cup on January 27. Drawn to be huge hope again. A PICCADILLY PRINCESS (9) is the defending champ, but she may not be going quite as well and this is a stronger field. Still a chance. CARLAS PIXEL (6) has loads of speed and led to beat AMERETTO last week. Versatile, so keep safe from harder draw. DELISHKA (11) needs luck from horror draw. ROCKER BAND (1) could place from the pole.
SUGGESTED BET: AMERETTO (2) to win, but I’d need $2.20 or better.
RACE 6 – BOHEMIA CRYSTAL FFA
Team Tritton holds the key. The draw says FRANCO NELSON (1) will lead and win. And Lauren Tritton has opted to drive. Down in grade and drawn much better than last week. Previous win when led was breathtaking. MY ALPHA ROCK (3) has been awesome winning all four runs for Team Tritton, but unlikely to lead this time, up in grade and stretching to 2400m. SAN CARLO (9) will really appreciate the 2400m and give a great sight. ATOMIC RED (8), AZTEC BROMAC (2) and MOONROCK (10) are next best.
SUGGESTED BET: SAN CARLO (9) the place at $2.30 or better.
SUMMARY
BEST BET: R4 n2 Ameretto at $2.20 or better
BEST VALUE: R5 n5 Maraetai each-way at $7.50 or better
BEST ROUGHIE: R6 n9 San Carlo each-way at $10 or better
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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