Miracle Mile preview from a Kiwi perspective

A lot has been written on both sides of the Tasman this week by harness racing pundits on tomorrows Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park, Menangle.

The outcome tomorrow is up in the air which is why the race has attracted so much attention from the main stream media this week.

Here at Harnesslink we thought we would give our two cents worth on what is shaping up as the race of the season.

1) Arms Of An Angel

However you view her chances, there is no doubt that her presence has made the race.

She processes blinding speed and the draw to use it and the chances of a sub 1:49 mile with her in the field look almost guaranteed.

The big question is can she see off three of the most talented pacers to race in Australasia in the last ten years.

We have our doubts. It is very hard for anyone to beat one of the three champions on show but to beat them all when they are all drawn in close seems to big an ask for us for such an inexperienced mare.

2) Monifieth 

Has a blinding turn of foot if held up for one late dash at them but this field has so much depth to it that it would appear unlikely he will get that opportunity.

He will slot onto Arms Of An Angel's back at the start and follow her everywhere but we still don't think thats enough to make him a major player here.

Hard to see in four.

3) Beautide

Has already won this race in the past and appears right in the zone for this years race.

Jogged a 53.6 half at his last start when cruising home in 1:50.7.

Has been placed in 1:49 and has the draw to be in the van the whole way here so hard to see how he doesn't run in the first two here as we see it.

The horse to beat from the draw in our opinion.

4) Lennytheshark

Drawn to get the run of the race on Beautide's back which makes him a legitimate winning chance here.

Has been in great form all season, dominating the Grand Circuit but this is the first time that he has run into Beautide and Have Faith In Me this season and it is going to be one heck of a challenge.

Lennytheshark can win with a run to suit but hard to see him making his own luck and beating both Beautide and Have Faith In Me here so Chris Alford will have to be at his very best.

5 Have Faith In Me

The question no one can answer yet is just how good is this horse.

His win in the Chariots Of Fire where he worked from barrier 10 throughout the race and then had the audacity to run away and hide in 1:48.8 with seemingly plenty left in the tank was one of best runs this writer has ever seen.

The ease of the victory in a sub 1:49 time means Have Faith In Me has the ability to work hard in his races and still find plenty at the finish of his races.

The horse Beautide has to worry about and a huge winning chance here.

6) My Hard Copy

Has had a great year in the west but yet to really translate that into the grand circuit races in the east.

An average effort in the Victorian Cup was followed by a good third in the Hunter Cup before again being slightly disappointing in the Cordina Sprint last week.

Best left for one run at them but from this draw and in a field of this strength, it is hard to see My Hard Copy being a major player here.

7) Blazin N Cullen

Pops up every now and again on the grand circuit but nothing has fallen in his favour here.

A wide draw coupled with a red hot field means Blazin N Cullen is up against it before the gate goes.

Hard to make a case for him to play any kind of serious part here all things considered.

8) Bling It On

A different draw and his prospects would change dramatically.

The mile is his go but barrier eight is a death sentence for his winning chances.

Has blinding speed so you can't discount him getting a small piece of it but not known for doing plenty of extra work in a race and still winning so hard to see how he is a big player here.

SELECTIONS

The draw leans us towards the established champion Beautide but only by the smallest of margins over the budding champion, Have Faith In Me.

For us these two champions look to have a small edge here over Lennytheshark and Arms Of A Angel but the gap is small and the run they get will count.

Those four look to have the draws to suit and a class edge on some of the others.

Bling It On if you are looking for something to spice up those multiples.

Harnesslink Media