Captain Ravishing primed to atone for shock defeat

Buzz pacer Captain Ravishing (Captaintreacherous) is primed to atone for his shock Chariots Of Fire harness racing defeat in Saturday night’s (Mar. 4) $1 million Miracle Mile at Menangle.

Co-trainer Emma Stewart said the explosive four-year-old would be driven quietly from his wide barrier and fans will “see the very best of him.”

“He didn’t run up to his best in the Chariots and we’ve had some time to assess it all. He pulled hard in the warm and was a bit over it all before the race even started, then when we rushed the gate with him for the first time he didn’t like it,” she said.

“He just got too wound-up and wasn’t himself, but he’ll be better for the experience and we’ve changed a few things since.

“We might have been too light on him going into the Chariots, but we’ve worked him harder at home this week and played around with a few other niggling things.

“We really like the (wide) draw. He’ll be driven cold and go back so he can show that speed of his late. You’ll see the very best of him this week.”

Stewart is adamant Captain Ravishing is the fastest of the stable’s record four runners – which is half the field – in the Miracle Mile.

“He’s the fastest we’ve got. He’s faster than Honolua Bay,” she said.

“That doesn’t mean he’s our best chance, because Honolua Bay is drawn so well and has gone to another level.

“But if it comes down to sheer speed, Captain Ravishing has got them covered.”

Captain Ravishing was $1.75 prepost Miracle Mile favourite before his Chariots defeat, but is out to $5 from his wide draw. Honolua Bay (Somebeachsomewhere) is the $2.80 favourite.

Honolua Bay is trying to become just the seventh pacer to win the huge Hunter Cup/Miracle Mile double, the most recent being King Of Swing, who did last year and in 2020.

“The Inter Dominion was the making of him,” Stewart said. “It could’ve gone either way, but it’s strengthened him up and he’s gone to another level.

“His Hunter Cup win was terrific and he couldn’t have been more impressive last week (winning at Menangle). He won’t get involved too much at the start this week because he goes so much better when he’s not bustled out. He’s got a great chance.”

Newcastle Mile winner Mach Dan ($12) will be “set alight” at the start from his wide draw in search of the lead.

“Guns blazing, that’s how Danny (Zavitsanos, owner) wants him driven at the start. It’s a tough draw (gate eight), but he’s in the best form of his career and he needs to right up on the speed. If he doesn’t win, Danny wants him going down fighting,” Stewart said

In contrast, rejuvenated sprinter Hurricane Harley (gate three) won’t use his blazing early speed.

“If the emergencies come out, he’ll start from two and can drop straight in behind Spirit Of St Louis (one). That would be an ideal run for him, even if he’s shuffled to three back on the pegs,” Stewart said.

“He was terrific last week after doing the work outside the leader and that’s not his go. He’s getting back close to his best form again.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia