Ready for Miracle Mile ‘Take Two’

Star junior driver Jack Callaghan was preparing for what would have been the biggest night of his short harness racing career, at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night.

Callaghan was preparing to partner the well-fancied Spirit Of St Louis in the Garrards Miracle Mile when Mother Nature unleashed her fury, dumping heavy rain and gale force winds on the Tabcorp Park Menangle precinct, forcing officials to postpone the $1million dollar feature.

It is the first time in its 55-year history that the Miracle Mile has not been run as scheduled with “take two” set to unfold this Saturday night at Sydney’s harness racing headquarters.

Despite all the twists and turns, young Callaghan has maintained his enthusiasm and excitement over playing his part on the Group 1 stage and he is quietly confident that the extra week will only aid the chances of the Belinda McCarthy-trained pacer.

“Louis thrives on week-to-week racing but at the same time he can be lethal when fresh,” said Callaghan.

“I really think gate two is a perfect draw for him as I should be able to have him prominently placed in the firing line to be running on at the finish.

“Whether it is on the pegs or in the running line, I know he will be hitting the line with a full head of steam.”

Like most of the opposing drivers, Callaghan nominated King Of Swing as the horse to beat.

“The King has drawn so well and will be aiming to make history by winning three in a row,” said the young reinsman.

“He is all class and will take a power of beating.”

Some positive news has emerged for trainers based in Sydney who are setting their two-year-old fillies for the upcoming Gold Tiara Series, which is due to kick off next Wednesday.

Although the fields will be drawn on Friday, March 11, unraced fillies eligible for the series will be given until Sunday, March 13 to perform faultlessly in front of HRNSW stewards.

Still, they may also be withdrawn from the series on Monday, March 14 should they fail to do so.

Chief Executive Officer of Harness Racing NSW, John Dumesny said this decision had been made due to the persistent wet weather in the Sydney basin and that it only applied to horses domiciled in the metropolitan area.

“No other exemptions apart from wet weather will be given,” said Dumesny.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW