Fine Form; Todd McCarthy is enjoying a wonderful season and takes his first drive in a Miracle Mile this weekend aboard Blazin N Cullen.
The Miracle Mile holds a special place in the heart of John McCarthy.
And it ranks above races like the Queensland Pacing Championship and the Treuer Memorial, events in which his family stable has dominated during the past decade.
The McCarthy clan have won the QPC eight of the past ten editions of the sunshine state feature, technically nine because they shared in the ownership of current winner Our Hi Jinx while grand campaigner Washakie won the Treuer Memorial five years running (2009/13).
But it’s still the Miracle Mile that tugs at the heartstrings.
It’s Australia’s signature speed test, born in 1967 at the famous Glebe half mile circuit of Harold Park before finding its current home at the expansive and spacious surrounds of Menangle, in Sydney’s south-west.
Like many, McCarthy vividly remembers tuning into the coverage on the ABC when he was based at Bathurst and being left awestruck by the performances from the victors and the vanquished.
McCarthy dared to dream about competing and winning a Miracle Mile and that became a reality in 2005 when his champion pacer Be Good Johnny saluted at Harold Park downing his quasi stablemate Slipnslide, prepared by his son Luke.
It was sheer jubilation and utter exhilaration on that November night when surrounded by family and friends after claiming the main event with a one/two result.
Twelve months later, McCarthy would strike again and win with Be Good Johnny.
This Sunday afternoon, McCarthy heads to Menangle with two invited runners ready to compete in the nation’s best sprint race.
Two New Zealand bred geldings, Monifieth and Blazin N Cullen, raced by Perth businessman and longtime stable client Kevin Jeavons, will represent his stable.
And the first reserve for the $750,000 feature, Lord Zin Zan is also prepared by McCarthy and co-owned by Jeavons just for good measure.
Monifieth booked his ticket to the big dance following his come from behind victory in the Gr.1 $200,000 Cordina Sprint while Blazin N Cullen finished strongly to grab second behind Beautide in the second qualifier, the Coca Cola Sprint two weeks ago.
While both are considered longshots by bookies, McCarthy will share centre stage with two of his sons, eldest son Luke and his youngest Todd will be right alongside him.
McCarthy will partner Monifieth with Todd booked to drive Blazin N Cullen while Luke will take the drive on Bling It On, prepared by his wife Belinda.
And for Todd, this is his first ever drive in a Miracle Mile.
“This is a dream come true, anybody who follows harness racing or the trots knows what the Miracle Mile is and I can’t wait to get out there, and to be with dad and Luke is something very special. I know dad even said if Zin Zan secures a start, he’ll fly Andy back from North America.” A beaming Todd McCarthy said.
The rise of the youngest McCarthy has been nothing short of sensational since relocating back to Sydney after getting started in Brisbane.
In fact, all three McCarthy boys kicked off their harness racing careers in Queensland, and their natural ability has stood out like a beacon.
Both Luke and Andrew have consistently showcased their obvious talent both here and abroad with Andy still based in North America where he is an in-demand freelance reinsman on the New Jersey/Pennsylvania circuits.
During their stint in Queensland, the McCarthy stable rose to stardom quickly and continued to produce top talent season after season.
But while John, Luke and Andy worked hard at their craft, young Todd was more interested in everything but horses which included football, motorbikes and anything else with wheels.
Given an ultimatum of school or working with the horses, Todd reluctantly chose the latter and landed his maiden success at the now defunct Parklands track on the Gold Coast on April 16, 2010 aboard Count The Cards.
“I wasn’t big on school and the horses seemed like the better option at the time, looking back, I think it definitely worked out for the better. Once Luke had his own stable going and Andy moved to North America, I just seemed to relax and enjoy it a lot more.
“Growing up in Brisbane was great fun and starting my career up there was the best thing for me because when we moved back to Sydney a few years back, I believe I had the right grounding to really kick-start my career.
“The big track at Menangle is the best track in the country and I love competing there, I’ve worked hard to build my contacts with owners and trainers and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.”
After tying with Luke last season in the Sydney metropolitan driver’s premiership, Todd has a clear lead in the state driver’s premiership this season and is set to crack a century of wins any day now.
He currently sits third in the national driver’s premiership with only Chris Alford and Shane Graham ahead of him.
On Sunday, he has a book of seven drives on the nine race program including Yayas Hot Spot, Gina Grace (Oaks), Frith (Ladyship Mile), Code Black (Derby), Blazin N Cullen (Miracle Mile), Idle Bones (Trotters Cup) and Cyclone Kate.
“It’s a great book and I’m really lucky to be given so many excellent opportunities, I think all of my drives have a chance with some more than others.
“I’m tipping the celebrations will be big if I’m lucky enough to win one of the majors on the day, that will cap a great week for me and I’ve got mum and dad to thank for it.”
Todd celebrates his 23rd birthday today (Wednesday).
