Purdon disappointed with Smolda exclusion

While Mark Purdon has always been one to take setbacks on the chin it is not hard to work out that Smolda's  exclusion from the Miracle Mile field hurts.

Mark made late submissions to the Sydney club as per the rules to excuse Smolda from appearing in the Miracle Mile leadup races and still earn an invitation for the Mile but the club failed to act on those submissions claiming the "integrity of the race" as its defence.

How including a local horse with no G1 victories to her name and leaving out a dual G1 winner from his last two starts including one of the most prestigious races in Australia contributes to the "integrity" of the race is not clear though Mark only admits to disappointment.

"I thought maybe there might have been a race this week to qualify for the Mile."

"It was just too much to ask of Smolda to race him three weeks in a row with those two hard races among them."

"It is disappointing for the owners for we feel that the horse had earned a start in that race. "

"Then the Miracle Mile has often had controversy and I suppose this is another one."

"Not one we would have preferred unfortunately"

Have Faith In Me came through Saturday's race in top order.

"He's just done so well on the trip and and nothing is bothering him now."

"He was good out of the gate last night too with none of his usual tricks"

"They all came through it well."

"Fight For Glory might have got away on us a bit she was a bit big but we will work on fining her down" Mark said.

David McCarthy – All Stars Racing Stables  –  Check site here