FOR all his success, the Miracle Mile is the race Jason Grimson desperately wants to win.
Grimson has already won Inter Dominion finals, two NZ Cups, a Hunter Cup, a Victoria Cup and so much more.
Now he’s got two of the eight runners – Swayzee and Captain Ravishing - on Saturday night in his quest to win the $1 million Miracle Mile for the first time.
“It (the Miracle Mile) is the one I want to win,” Grimson told Gareth Hall on SENTrack. “Menangle is my home track and it’s so hard just to get into the race.”
Grimson leans to the great Swayzee as his best hope ahead of Captain Ravishing, but insists both have winning claims.
“I’ve got to go Swayzee, but if Captain Ravishing positions up close, they’ll know he’s there. He could lead if we wanted, but he’s best driven quietly early so Jack will drive with him a sit.”
It will be a different story with Swayzee, who must believe is disadvantaged by starting from barrier one when the emergencies come out.
“I’m happy enough, two would have been good and one’s not so good, but I think he’s just as good on a helmet (with a sit) if that’s how it pans out,” Grimson said.
“He’ll get out much quicker than people seem to think. He did hold out Kanena Provlima one time and he’s very quick out.
“I don’t think Don Hugo will be able to cross him being drawn right next to him, Tact McLeod is the one who might be able to cross.
Many think the race within the race is whether Swayzee settles in front of arch-rival and sibling Leap To Fame or not.
“It would be good to get in front of him, we know we can beat him when we do. I think there’s a big chance Cam (Hart, driver) can get in front of him,” Grimson said.
“I’d love to be in front because I know I’ve got a horse capable of pushing the (track) record (1min46.9sec). I’m sure he can go low 1min47sec or even break the record,” Grimson said.
“I hope they break the record. it would be special being part of it. I know we can do it and Larry (Leap To Fame) can, too.”
Grimson had two runners last year, but his chances were ruined early when speedster and second favourite Himanameisjeff galloped at the start and lost all chance. Stablemate Frankie Ferocious flew home from well back for fourth.
Interestingly, Grimson said Swayzee was “no sure thing” to back-up six days after the Miracle Mile to chase a $500,000 bonus in the Renshaw Cup at Penrith.
The bonus is for winning four of the five legs of NSW Carnival of Cups. He won the first three and finished second in the fourth at Albury.
“No, it is no certainty,” he said. “We don’t want to be too greedy. It will depend on how he goes this week and then how he is when we have to make a final decision next Monday or Tuesday.
“If he comes through it well, which he does more often than not, then we’ll be keen to go, but we’ll let the horse decide.”
Part of the equation is Swayzee’s subsequent trip to Perth for the $1.25mil Nullabor slot race at Gloucester Park next month.
PHOTO: Stuart McCormick
