Have Faith In Me in the Purdon blue overhauls Lennytheshark at the post to claim the Miracle Mile.
It took the fastest performance in Australasian history to deny Lennytheshark victory in today’s Miracle Mile at Menangle.
Have Faith In Me (Bettors Delight/Scuse Me) broke his big sister Adore Me’s mile record, set this day last year in the Ladyship Mile, lowering the 1:47.7 mark by two-tenths of a second to a remarkable 1:47.5.
In doing so the exciting four-year-old, touted by one international trots man based in America (Peter Berry) as “probably the best pacer in the world right now”, became the All-Star Mark Purdon camp’s headline act.
“It was a great field ... he really made us proud,” Purdon said.
Winning reinswoman Natalie Rasmussen heaped praise on her charge.
“Credit to the little horse, he just tries so hard,” she said.
“He’s still so green. He still races a bit rough but he’s getting that little bit more mature each start.”
To win Have Faith In Me had to get past this season's Victoria Cup and Inter Dominion hero Lennytheshark, who sat one-by-one in the run for driver Chris Alford before cutting loose at the home turn to grab early leader Arms Of An Angel (Lauren Panella).
RE-LIVE THE ACTION OF THE 2016 MIRACLE MILE AND HAVE FAITH IN ME'S WIN
In the run Have Faith In Me followed Lennytheshark everywhere through quarters of 26.4, 27.4 and 26.5.
In the home straight Have Faith In Me set out after Lennytheshark and bit by bit ate up the required ground, only nailing the gutsy Victorian from the David Aiken yard with one final dive at the wire.
The final quarter was 27.2.
Another four-year-old, Arms Of An Angel, ran a huge race to finish third for trainer Shane Tritton.
CHECK OUT THE TROTS' PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE DAY
It was another red letter day for the Purdon camp, which also took the honours in the NSW Oaks courtesy of unbeaten filly Our Dream About Me (now 12 from 12), the NSW Derby courtesy of unbeaten gelding Our Waikiki Beach (now 16 from 16) and the Bohemia Crystal Free for All with Smolda, who has also picked up the Ballarat and Hunter Cups in Victoria this campaign.
Media enquiries:
CODY WINNELL
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGER
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
PO BOX 184, MOONEE PONDS, VIC 3039
400 EPSOM ROAD, FLEMINGTON, VIC 3031
t: 03 8378 0288 | f: 03 9214 0699 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au
www.hrv.org.au