By Adam Hamilton
This Miracle Mile and the support card that goes with it shapes as one of the best we have seen.
Our Aussie correspondent ADAM HAMILTON casts his expert eye over the major races at Menangle On Saturday night.
RACE 7 – MIRACLE MILE
Think LENNYTHESHARK (6) is the value. Primed after three runs from a break, huge second in this race last year and drawn best of the big trio. HECTORJAYJAY (10) should still blast across and lead, but how much petrol will have to spend from yet another bad draw? The draw is tricky LAZARUS (8) and don’t think we’ve seen his NZ Cup form in Aussie yet this trip. Still a huge chance of course. BLING IT ON (3) didn’t enjoy sitting parked last week. Vic and Hunter Cup runs fantastic. Drawn well, respect. SMOLDA (1) could place from the pole. SALTY ROBYN (5) and OUR WAIKIKI BEACH (4) also place hopes.
SUGGESTED BET: Something win LENNYTHESHARK (6) if $6 or better and HECTORJAYJAY (10) is $5 or better.
RACE 5 – NSW DERBY
On what we’ve seen from him Aussie, VINCENT (1) just needs to stay out of trouble to win. His Vic and NSW Derby heat wins were simply breathtaking. What gate speed will he show? Can he get straight away from the marker pegs if crossed early? ULTIMATE MACHETE (7) is the query. Unstoppable in NZ this season, but raced flat even though he did a power of work last week. Wouldn’t surprise to see a return to his best and a huge threat if we that. MOTU METEOR (5) keeps improving. So much speed. Dexter aboard. Respect. OUR LITTLE GENERAL (2) never looked happy last week. Better for the experience, Vic Derby win good and drawn well. Rough show.
SUGGESTED BET: VINCENT (1) to win if $2 or better
RACE 3 – NSW OAKS
The draw has opened this right up. Happy to be on MISS GRACELAND (5) each-way. Well held by PETACULAR (14) last week, but gets the chance to push forward and get a big head start on key rivals this time. Should be fitter as well. PARTYON (11) will need some early luck from inside back row. Class act, unbeaten, but this by far her biggest test. PETACULAR (14) has come back a brute this season. Controlled the heat and dashed home too quick, but very different from this draw. Expect an aggressive drive. Major player. TAKARA TRUFFLE (1) is on the up, good behind PARTYON in the heat and draws well. DONT THINK TWICE (10) was big after finding trouble in heat. Awful draw. Place.
SUGGESTED BET: MISS GRACELAND (5) each-way at $6 or better
RACE 4 – LADYSHIP MILE
Such a tricky race made harder by big queries over the champion mare OUR DREAM ABOUT ME (9). Hasn’t raced since that awesome Auckland Cup win on New Year’s Eve and hasn’t paced well in two recent Menangle trials, most notably Tuesday when she bobbled much of the trip. Can’t take the short odds on that. The old champ FRITH (2) gets her chance from great draw. Likely leader, fitter for strong first-up showing. A PICCADILLY PRINCESS (10) was monstrous last week and might have to be again from extreme draw, but gee she’s going well. ROCKER BAND (3) blasted out to lead and upstage A PICCADILLY PRINCESS at Melton last time. Drawn well again and kept fresh. Definite claims. AMERETTO (4) resumed with a ripping run last week. Fitter, handy draw, keep safe. CYCLONE KATE (5) is back in form. Led and won without looking ultra-impressive last time. Tricky draw with so much speed inside. Rough show.
SUGGESTED BET: Something on FRITH (2) if $5 or better and ROCKER BAND (3) is $8 or better.
RACE 6 – BOHEMIA CRYSTAL FFA
Not sure where to look here. Ripper race, but so many chances. TIGER TARA (2) ran well at first start for Kevin Pizzuto stable here last week and 2400m should suit better than a mile last week. Should be improved and drawn well. Roughie with a big chance is AZTEC BROMAC (12). Actually made-up ground and didn’t have much racing room in 26sec flat last quarter behind Lennytheshark last week. Obviously needs luck from draw. HAVE FAITH IN ME (14) is obviously well down on his Miracle Mile-winning form of last year, but racing as though 2400m will suit and down in grade. TACT TATE (11) is drawn to have a cosy run and had no racing room late last week. Respect. LETS CHASE THE DREAM (7) needs luck from draw, but must be kept safe. MACH DORO (13) caught the eye last week as well. Not hopeless.
SUGGESTED BET: TIGER TARA (2) if $5 or better and something small each-way AZTEC BROMAC (12).
SUMMARY
BEST BET: R5 N1 Vincent (if $2 or better)
BEST VALUE: R3 n5 Miss Graceland (each-way if $6 or better)
BEST ROUGHIE: R6 n12 Aztec Bromac
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
