Racing: Christen Me on trial for Auckland

Miracle Mile and Victoria Cup hero Christen Me. Photo / Stuart McCormick

Trainer Cran Dalgety is hoping a trial today can put Christen Me's Auckland Cup campaign back on track.

The Miracle Mile and Victoria Cup hero will trial at Menangle outside Sydney after a series of unexpected complications robbed him of three race opportunities this weekend.

Christen Me was supposed to be in the A$750,000 Inter Dominion Final at Menangle on Sunday but lost that chance when he had to be scratched from his heat 10 days ago with a hip injury.

He has recovered and trainer Cran Dalgety was aiming him at a A$100,000 free-for-all this Sunday as consolation until he discovered Christen Me wouldn't make the field.

"They give preference for a start in the free-for-all to horses who actually contested the heats so we won't get a start," said Dalgety yesterday.

His final Auckland Cup lead-up opportunity would have been the free-for-all at Alexandra Park on Friday, which Dalgety was keen on, but the flights timetable has ruled that out. "I could have flown home tonight but then I would have only been using Friday's race as a trial because he needs a run and I wouldn't do that.

"So he needs that trial at Menangle [today] and then he can stay here and fly home on Monday with all the other big names.

"But we will know more about how ready he will be for the Cup once he trials."

Even without Christen Me there is plenty of glamour at Friday night's Cup week opener, which boasts a strong Northern Oaks headed by The Orange Agent, Supersonic Miss and Democrat Party.

Meanwhile, Hug The Wind has been the exception to the mainly bad draws the Kiwi pacers were allotted for Sunday's mega meeting.

He has drawn barrier one in the NSW Derby and is odds on, but fillies Fight For Glory and Delightful Lana have drawn wide in the NSW Oaks.

Our Sky Major and Isaiah have middle of the front-line draws but still outside favourite Bling It On in the Chariots of Fire, while Adore Me got out to $2.10 in fixed odds for the Ladyship Mile after she drew the outside of the front line and Australia's best mare Frith drew the ace.