THE more people you talk to, the more spice there promises to be at the start of this $1 million Miracle Mile.
Don Hugo has blazing early speed, Sooner The Bettor is one of fastest beginners in NZ, Captain Ravishing once led a TAB Eureka field on his ear and emerging Kiwi pacer Tact McLeod may be the fastest off the gate of the lot.
That banter has sparked a race within the race and a betting market on it.
Who will lead at the winning post the first time?
Tact McLeod, who scorched out of gate nine last week, will start from six this time and is $2.80 favourite to at least have his nose in front after 200m or so when the field passes the Menangle finishing line with a lap to run.
Don Hugo, with the advantage of starting down low at a track he has led and won the TAB Eureka and Inter Dominion final at, is $3.50 second favourite to be the early leader.
Then comes Sooner The Bettor, who ran second to Leap To Fame in last year’s Miracle Mile, at $3.80 from gate three.
Captain Ravishing is $6.50 to be the early leader from gate four.
In a sport where many think being the early leader is gold, this Miracle Mile paints a very different picture.
Leap To Fame, who is into $2.20 to successfully defend his crown, is $10 to be in front with a lap run.
And his arch-rival and sibling Swayzee, who doesn’t look well suited from gate one, is $12 to have that role, but only $5 to win the race.
Catch A Wave, who led throughout to win the 2023 Miracle Mile, is $15 to be the early leader because he will start from the outside draw (gate eight).
Tact McLeod’s driver Anthony Butt clearly signalled his intent this week.
“The draw makes it tough. I can’t win going back at the start, so I’ve got to use his early speed and try to cross them or at least get straight into the running line early,” he said.
“It worked last week from a wider draw when I was able to get across, find a gap and qualify. I’ve got to chance my arm again because he is absolutely electric in that first 100m.”
