By MICHAEL GUERIN
New Zealand's proud record in the Miracle Mile is under threat tonight.
It has been 10 years since a Kiwi pacer did not at least run in the first three in the Sydney sprint - with our elite having won six of the last 10 runnings.
But our sole runner tonight, Holmes D G, not only meets one of the strongest fields in the last five years but also has a tricky draw.
Holmes D G was able to lead from the ace to win the $A400,000 thriller last season but that was after the mobile gate went unusually slow for the Miracle Mile.
That gives the outside horses more time to build up momentum than the inside runners and if the mobile gate again flies around the bend in the run-up, Holmes D G is going to have his work cut out trying to hold the front.
Trainer-driver Barry Purdon is happy with how the defending champion has come through a very tough last 10 days and will try to hold the front early.
If he cannot he is still an each way chance if whoever does cross him then holds the front.
But if there are two lead changes then Holmes D G could be be back on the markers, from where he would have little chance.
Favouritism in Sydney last night was still clearly with Shakamaker, a sensational come-from-the-rear winner of the Legends Mile at Moonee Valley last start.
But there has been huge support this week for Courage Under Fire, with trainer-driver Brian Hancock on a confidence high.
The pair would appear well placed with their draws to sit off the expected hot pace and come with the telling runs but there is also a slight chance trainer-driver John Justice may try for the front with Shakamaker.
If he was to find that role it is hard to see him being run down over the 1760m.
If he does not then the final 400m could be one of the more explosive in years.
Racing: Run of Miracle Mile successes threatened
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.