After a stunning Summer of Glory in Victoria, all Harness Racing eyes turn to western Sydney as the Carnival of Miracles kicks-off with a pair of excellent Miracle Mile heats, a trifecta of fantastic NSW Oaks heats and a trio of Derby heats in what again promises to be a deep and competitive Derby.
Lennytheshark was phenomenal winning last year’s Miracle Mile from the death whilst it is all but accepted that Lazarus was a few steps off his best. He is here, fit and healthy, and ready to complete a sweep of the four majors (Inter Dominion, NZ Cup, Hunter Cup).
A superb night of racing awaits us so take a look at my preview then sit back, relax and enjoy the best Harness Racing has to offer!
Lennytheshark was phenomenal winning last year’s Miracle Mile from the death whilst it is all but accepted that Lazarus was a few steps off his best. He is here, fit and healthy, and ready to complete a sweep of the four majors (Inter Dominion, NZ Cup, Hunter Cup).
A superb night of racing awaits us so take a look at my preview then sit back, relax and enjoy the best Harness Racing has to offer!
Allied Express Transport Sprint – aka Miracle Mile Heat 1.
The Contenders:
MOONROCK – There’s a chance in my mind he does enough to hold up however I doubt he wants to lead throughout. Soho Tribeca looks a perfect horse to trail but nevertheless, from the ace, he has a great opportunity to qualify.
ANYTHING FOR LOVE – Trainer Shane Tritton has decleared his charge will be attempting to lead from start to finish. He can run a fast mile but the tempo of this race may mean he just sets it up for someone else.
SOHO TRIBECA – This guy keeps getting better! He was immense in the Inter Dominion heats, easily won the WA Pacing Cup and gave Lazarus all he could cop in the Hunter Cup. Here he gets a chance from a good alley and deserves outright favouritism.
LENNYTHESHARK – He loves Menangle and is the reigning MM champion but Lenny does not look like Lenny. To me, his past few runs have been overplayed and he may have to do all the bullocking work here. He’s at risk of relying on his reputation to make the big dance.
HEAVEN ROCKS – The big horse’s best friend may actually be Anything For Love in this one should the gelding in pink set a blazing speed. The stable has stated for quite some time that he is built for the big track so he gets his chance to prove it from a shocking alley.
Selections:
1 Soho Tribeca (6)
2 Heaven Rocks (10)
3 Lennytheshark (5)
4 Moonrock (1)
Best Bet: First Four – 1/5/6/10
Canadian Club Sprint – Miracle Mile Heat 2.
The Contenders:
LAZARUS – The only concern is being crossed and stuck on the pegs but good horses and good horses and they find a way. This fella is not a good horse, he’s an all-time great. He wins.
TIGER TARA – They’re claiming they want to make another statement over the mile but Lazarus has been the only one making statements in this rivalry.
He can and should qualify but I doubt he wins.
MACH DORO – He’s incredibly rough but his gate speed sees him end up likely behind Lazarus after a re-take.
Hopefully he has enough gas late to hold onto a place at odds.
SAN CARLO – He has to burn the arm. No choice. He has shown the speed and he needs to be handy. The breeze would be a good spot to end up. One-one on Tiger Tara even better and gives him a shot at making the eight. is dreadful.
Selections:
1 Lazarus (1)
2 Mach Doro (7)
3 Tiger Tara (3)
4 San Carlo (8)
Best Bet: Trifecta – 1 to beat 3/7 to beat 3/7/8
NEW SOUTH WALES DERBY HEATS
The All Stars pulled the right rein in the Derby heats as All U Need Is Faith drew the ace in the opening heat whilst The Devils Own drew one in heat three.
Boom baby Divine State will set a cracking tempo in heat two but Emma Stewart’s Poster Boy should take some beating despite being overrun in the Victoria Derby after seemingly having the race won at the 200m mark.
Victorian Derby winner Colt Thirty One draws five but may start from three with the removal of the emergencies so his chances of gaining a start in the big one look all but assured.
Poster Boy and the Purdon duo look hot favourites for mine but again, the Derby decider will be an unbelievable race.
Selections:
Heat 1 – All U Need Is Faith
Heat 2 – Poster Boy
Heat 3 – The Devils Own
NEW SOUTH WALES OAKS HEATS
After resuming and dominating at Kilmore, Breeders Crown champion Nostra Villa will enter her Oaks heat as a warm favourite with no obvious contender to run past her.
Shez All Rock is talented and sits among the favourites in the market to win the big one but it’s a big ask for a filly with only three race starts to her name.
Three big guns compete in heat with Soho Burning Love rolling along beautifully winning three straight whilst boom two-year-old My SweetChilliPhilly and Our Bare Knuckle will need to loop the lot of them to be in the top few spots.
Our Bare Knuckle was superb winning here two starts back before struggling mightily from the breeze last week.
Molly Kelly is first up since the Breeders Crown Final and comes out of gate nine which will be an ask.
Macey Jayde is incredibly talented but made a mistake at her first go on the big track whilst 2/3/4 all have strong claims.
Selections:
Heat 1 – Nostra Villa
Heat 2 – Soho Burning Love
Heat 3 – Macey Jayde
ROBIN DUNDEE STAKES
The Victorians have swamped the locals in this one, all looking for a slot in the Ladyship Mile on Miracle Mile night.
Carlas Pixel will give a sight from the pole and is a must-have for exotic bets.
Gotta Go Dali Queen is a last-start winner and continues to improve here in Australia for Matt Craven.
Gun mares Berisari (8) and Ameretto (10) have nightmare alleys to deal with.
Selections:
1 Carlas Pixel (1)
2 Ameretto (10)
3 Rocker Band (7)
4 Gotta Go Dali Queen (5)
Josh Jenkins Sports 