King Of Swing’s quest for back-to-back $1million Miracle Mile wins headlines a stellar Menangle card on Saturday night.
Our Australian correspondent Adam Hamilton previews the key races, including Majestic Man’s tilt at a third Group One victory.
RACE 7 – MIRACLE MILE
Impossible to tip against KING OF SWING (6). Most likely scenario is ALTA ORLANDO (5) crosses them early and then takes a sit on KING OF SWING, which suits both horses. KING OF SWING is a more complete horse than when he won last year and should be too good. ALTA ORLANDO was good leading last week, but is certainly more lethal with a sit. He looks back to his best was an unlucky third last year. WOLF STRIDE (7) is really on the rise. He’ll need a few things to go wrong for KING OF SWING, but can take advantage if that happens. EXPENSIVE EGO (4) was awesome in the Chariots Of Fire win and winners of that race have been placed in the past three Miracle Miles. STYLISH MEMPHIS (10) is flying, but will be last from the draw and need the race run upside down to have any hope.
IGNATIUS (2) could place if he crosses THE BLACK PRINCE (1) early and finds the pegs.
Suggested bet: KING OF SWING (6) to win if he touches $1.60 or better. Otherwise, take the KING OF SWING and ALTA ORLANDO quinella.
RACE 6 – NSW DERBY
Good Derby with depth at the top. PATSBEACHSTORM (8) lacks experience, but oozes speed and potential. Stunning heat win when he gave ACT NOW (6) a big start and easily beat him. By far the fastest heat win. Sure to be further improved, but will need a touch of luck from wide draw. TASTY DELIGHT (3) is the best local. Soft heat win and drawn well, but may be crossed by ACT NOW early. Still a major factor. IDYLLIC (12) is all class and very strong. He’ll need to be from a horror draw though. ACT NOW (6) looks the leader, is tough and will give a good sight.
Suggested bet: PATSBEACHSTORM (8) to win at $3 or better.
RACE 5 – GROUP 1 AINSWORTH FREE-FOR-ALL
Fantastic race where the Belinda McCarthy runners hold the key. MACH SHARD (3) is clear favourite and the probable leader. No luck last week when flashed along the inside late. Stable says he’ll improve a lot for the run as well. STAR GALLERIA (7) had no room at a crucial stage last week, recovered and hit the line well. Real value. BALRAJ (11) is hard to catch, but he came from last out wide and smashed the clock late last week. Sure to be driven forward this time. Respect. WESTERN SONADOR (9) was never in the mix last week, but Newcastle run massive. Extra trip suits. ONE CHANGE (1) tried hard last week and draws well. TURN IT UP (5) is hard to assess. Ripper Queensland form, but disappointed at Newcastle then just OK last week here. Fast out. KOWALSKI ANALYSIS (2) will appreciate the better draw. MAX DELIGHT (12) was disappointing last week, but previous two runs excellent. Can turn it around.
Suggested bet: Think STAR GALLERIA (7) is the each-way value at $10 or better.
RACE 4 – GROUP 1 NSW TROTTERS’ MILE
Looks perfect for MAJESTIC MAN (3) to win his third Group 1 on this Aussie trip. Found the front in Gp1 Grand Prix and won as he liked at Melton last week. Starts from the pole if emergencies come out of this race. Slick beginner. Should win and post a slick mile. PINK GALAHS (5) has a rushed start to this preparation and now looks to be peaking. Lethal turn of speed. Watch for her late. TOUGH MONARCH (9) is the class local and multiple Group 1 winner. Wide draw hurts. Respect. DROP THE HAMMER (4), ALWAYS READY (8) and HAVEHORSEWILLTRAVEL (12) have place claims.
Suggested bet: MAJESTIC MAN (3) to win if $1.60 or better.
Summary :
BEST BET: R6 N8 Patsbeachstorm ($3 or better)
BEST VALUE: R5 N7 Star Galleria ($10 or better each-way)
BEST ROUGHIE: R5 N12 Alta Orlando ($12 or better)