Travel equals success for Miracle Mat

Miracle Mile-winning harness racing driver Mat Rue has been busy travelling to race meetings on both sides of the Blue Mountains.

Still, it has all been worthwhile for the astute horseman as he has racked up plenty of winners along the way.

Last Thursday night (Sep. 15) at Penrith, Rue recorded one of his best nights as a trainer by landing a treble that included outsider Darabont, which started at $126 on the TAB.

“I had not raced at Penrith in quite a while, so it was good to return there and get a few winners,” said Rue.

“Despite his huge price it was no shock to the stable that Darabont was able to win.

“He has been flying and if punters had dug deep enough into his form, I think they may have been able to find him, even at those odds.”

Rue returns to Penrith on Thursday (Sep. 22) where he has four runners on a well-balanced eight-race program.

One horse of Rue’s pacers that will be watched with interest is former Kiwi Pocket Book (Bettor’s Delight) in race six.

After having four starts in Australia for Jason Grimson, the mare was sent for a lengthy spell and has come back under the care of Rue.

Pocket Book was purchased from New Zealand by the Dunn family from Forbes, firstly to race and then breed from into the future.

“We are yet to see the best of this mare on Australian soil,” said Rue.

“Initially she was with Jason Grimson, who won first-up with her at Penrith.

“But the spell as done her the world of good, and I have been really impressed with the way she has come back.

“She has drawn barrier seven which will ensure that she gets an economical trip.

“I have given her two trials, but I am mindful not to over-tax her after such a long break away from the races.”

Rue believes last start winner Regal Reggae (Art Major) in race five has a realistic chance of scoring again.

Drawn wide in gate five, Regal Reggae is another that is only relatively new to Rue’s stable, but has pleased him in two runs.

“She is a cool little mare that tries really hard,” he said.

“Her first start for me at Cowra two weeks ago was good and then her win here last week was just super.

“So, I do expect her to go close to winning again.”

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW