20 February 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | AMANDA RANDO
It will be known today how next week’s $1million Miracle Mile at Menangle could take shape.
Fields for the Allied Express and Schweppes Sprints will come out later today, with the winners progressing through to Australasia’s premier sprint test.
So far two horses have secured an invitation to this year’s edition of the Grand Circuit race.
The first was Mach Dan following his tough win in the Newcastle Mile last Friday night.
The other is fellow Victorian pacer Catch A Wave who caused an upset beating Captain Ravishing in last Saturday night’s Chariots Of Fire.
Catch A Wave raced outside the leader and surprised many with his gruelling performance including driver Kate Gath.
“Had it been any other horse I would have been pretty confident turning for home,” said Gath.
“When I peeled off his back on the home turn, I really expected Captain Ravishing to kick on me and find another gear.
“But that didn’t really happen and maybe he wasn’t at his absolute best, but nothing can be taken away from our horse.”
This leaves a question mark around Captain Ravishing and his tilt at the Miracle Mile.
Not amongst the nominations for the two qualifying sprints this Saturday night, Captain Ravishing’s connections will be relying on a ‘wildcard’ entry by Club Menangle’s board of directors for an invitation to the Miracle Mile.
With the first and second placegetters of the Allied Express and Schweppes Sprints gaining an invitation to the ultimate sprint test, that leaves two invitations open at the discretion of the Club Menangle directors.
In the past, directors have invited Chariots Of Fire placegetters and also winners of the Queen Elizabeth Mile (Ladyship Mile).
Today’s best bets:
Goulburn best bet
Race 5: Jilliby Retro (2)
Above average juvenile on the comeback trail who will take some stopping following useful displays this preparation.
Goulburn next best
Race 6: Reign Maker (7)
Leading candidate with stronger form than it appears against tougher opponents.
Play the exotics
The Goulburn quaddie
Race 5: 2
Race 6: 2-7-4-9-5
Race 7: 5-1-2-4-9
Race 8: 2-6
$50 for 100%
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