Racing: Monkey to warm up for Miracle Mile

Monkey King. Photo / Simon Baker

Cup week double defender Monkey King will make a surprise public outing tomorrow as his final warm-up for the SEW Eurodrive Miracle Mile.

Last week's Cup and Free-For-All winner will head to the Rangiora workouts for a 2000m mobile heat with stablemate Power Of Tara.

"I just wanted to stretch their legs and keep them ticking over before next weekend," trainer Brendon Hill told the Herald.

The pair will be flown to Sydney on Thursday where Monkey King will try to defend his title against one of the hottest fields in Miracle Mile history at Menangle on Saturday night.

Power Of Tara, who was the unluckiest horse in the New Zealand Cup, joins him to contest a A$50,000 free-for-all at Menangle the same night.

Hill is thrilled with the way his stars have come through Cup week, hence the extra workout tomorrow.

"They are both great and I can't wait to get Sam [Monkey King] to the Mile because the field is going to be amazing."

Hill said Monkey King and Power Of Tara would return home the day after their Sydney races, almost certainly missing the Victoria Cup on December 11.

"They still have a big season ahead. I'm not saying they won't go back but the main aims are the Auckland Cup and Interdominions, after the Mile."

The all-important barrier draw for the Mile will be made in Sydney tomorrow night after the final lead-up race.

Hill is brimming with confidence heading into tonight's Addington meeting where another of his stars from last week, Carabella, makes her Addington debut.

She became New Zealand's fastest ever pacer over 2400m mobile when winning fresh up at Ashburton last week and meets only her own age and sex tonight.

"She came through that no problem last week and has to be hard to beat because she really is a good filly," said Hill.

"But she is going to need to be soon because we are bringing her north to take on Bettor Cover Lover and she is a freak."

Hill is also tipping Ultimate Player in the last race.

"He was unlucky last week and really should win this time."