Miracle Mile delay a setback for Eclipse

Greg Sugars believes the abandonment and rescheduling of the Miracle Mile has worked against his charge in harness racing’s $1million feature at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Sugars will drive Better Eclipse, a horse trained by his wife Jess Tubbs at their property in Myrniong, in this Saturday night’s Grand Circuit classic.

Torrential rain saw organisers abandon the time-honoured race last Saturday night and move it to this weekend.

Sugars told thetrots.com.au that the extra week’s wait was probably not ideal for Better Eclipse, who hasn’t raced since his win in the Chariots Of Fire on February 19.

“We think it’s probably gone against us somewhat because we already had two weeks since the Chariots of Fire and thought we had a perfect week leading into it last week, were sort of spot on and as well prepared as what we could be,” Sugars said.

“A few others, like King Of Swing, had real gut-busters in the sprints the week before and were backing up a week later, so you would think if there was any chink in their amour or any ill-effects from those hard runs then it may have shown up last week.

“But they have got an extra week up their sleeve now and are probably in prime condition. And all of a sudden we are three weeks between races, so it’s probably not ideal.”

Better Eclipse has been staying at Blake Fitzpatrick’s property during his New South Wales campaign and Sugars and Tubbs left him there to head back home from Sydney on Sunday. Tubbs was expected to drive back across the border today to be there for the horse’s first day back in the Menangle retention barn.

Two other Victorian-trained horses will contest Saturday night’s Miracle Mile and will also go into the race somewhat fresher than their NSW-based rivals.

Aaron Dunn-trained Bondi Lockdown has not raced since chasing home Better Eclipse in the Chariots of Fire, while Emma Stewart’s Mach Dan last competed when winning the Newcastle Mile on February 18.

The Garrards Miracle Mile is race six on the Menangle card and is set to be run at 9pm. Click here to view fields.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV