In Brief
- Driver James Rattray confident heading into Group 1.
- Wagering operators keeping the Tasmanian safe.
- Max Delight and Ryley Major chasing interstate feature race wins.
Ignatius will be carrying the hopes of Tasmania when he lines up in Saturday night’s $1,000,000 Miracle Mile at Menangle in Sydney’s south-west.
The Tasmanian trained, owned, and bred pacer secured the last wildcard spot in the eight-horse field when Club Menangle directors gave the pacer a shot after his brilliant fourth in the Group 1 Schweppes Sprint last week.
While many on social media had their say on whether the Todd Rattray-trained gelding should or shouldn’t have gotten the last opportunity in the field, the wagering operators were keen to keep the 2018-2019 Tasmanian Horse of the Rear safe in their markets as an $11 chance.
Driver James Rattray knows what it takes to win a Miracle Mile, and he has done it before with Beautide, who he also trained to victory in 2013, and James was very upbeat with Ignatius heading into Saturday’s feature.
“His last couple of runs in Tassie were great, and his last couple of runs up here have been super, and he feels like he has come on again,” said James when speaking on RSN on Wednesday.
“We had to drive him pretty aggressive last start so we could get a look and give ourselves every chance of getting in (to the Miracle Mile), and we got that wildcard and we have come up with a good draw,” added the Tasmanian born driver.
Ignatius has drawn barrier two, and James will be trying to use the draw to his advantage.
“It will be very solid early. We have drawn to be in that speed battle, so we will make the most of the draw,” said James.
James was very upbeat when asked if he could lead all the way and win the Miracle Mile.
“I think so, I think I have the horse to do it, he seems really strong, and he has come through the run really well, and I reckon he can (win),” said James.
The Miracle Mile is scheduled to start at 20:36 on Saturday.
While Ignatius will be chasing Miracle Mile success, Tasmanian owned Max Delight will also be chasing Group 1 glory on the same card in the Ainsworth Free For All.
The barrier draw hasn’t been too kind to the Mick Maxfield-owned pacer who has drawn outside of the front line in the 2400-metre event.
Max Delight was crowned the 2017-2018 Tasmanian Horse of the year and has been brilliant, winning two of his three runs back from an injury-enforced break.
While the attention is in Sydney, it could be a big Saturday night for Ryley Major, who lines up at Melton in the Markovina Free For All, where Tasmanian born Jack Laugher will drive him.
The Tasmanian-owned and bred pacer had a massive 2019-2020 season in Tasmania, including wins in the Tasmania Cup and Tassie Golden Apple, which sees him the warm favourite to be crowned the Tasmanian Horse Of The Year at the annual awards night on Saturday evening at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston.
The awards night will be live-streamed on TasracingTV.