Lightning Blue Posted March 12, 2022 Author Share Posted March 12, 2022 Belinda McCarthy quinellas the great race for 2022. !!! KING OF SWING the first horse ever to Three-peat the Miracle Mile !!! Pretty sure that was his retirement race too .... 1.49.2 and a comfortable win to the retiring Champ. His great New Zealander stablemate Spirit Of St Louis for his NZ owners a very gallant second. Congrats to Team McCarthy on the excellent result.!!! Three in a row for King Of Swing. Never been done before. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 26, 2023 Author Share Posted February 26, 2023 Can't believe it's a year since the Big race worth a Million$ has come around again!! King of Swing retiring after the threepeat , when scoring a 3rd Miracle Mile win in a row last year. After last Saturday night we have 4 qualified in the shape of SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS, and EXPENSIVE EGO from the McCarthy barn that have both placed 2nd in previous years to the 'KING' , their fantastic stablemate. Also qualifying in 1.49 was the recent Hunter Cup winner HONOLUA BAY and his stablemate HURRICANE HARLEY from the powerful Emma Stewart barn from Victoria. MACH DAN already in for them as well after winning the Newcastle Mile. This week for some Trivia , we'll salute some more past winners...... as we close on in the 2023 Mile. Who is this then ? and what happened his first attempt at the Miracle Mile ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackie Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 I think that that poor bugger fell over first attempt, or Choked down, was he 3 or 4 first time around? . Amazing to come back and win it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josias Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 So,CHOKIN when winning 1993 Miracle Mile at Harold Park,in hands of Tony Herlihy. Fellow Star Kiwi Master Musician filling 3rd for Robert Dunn. Chokin had his first attempt at Miracle Mile Glory in 1991 Edition as 3yo,but as Blackie said above,fell or choked down,and did not finish. Ironically,this was won by stablemate Christopher Vance,also driven by Tony Herlihy,from Defoe & Robert Dunn featuring again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 26, 2023 Author Share Posted February 26, 2023 2 hours ago, Josias said: Chokin had his first attempt at Miracle Mile Glory in 1991 Edition as 3yo,but as Blackie said above,fell or choked down,and did not finish. 4 hours ago, Blackie said: I think that that poor bugger fell over first attempt, or Choked down, Spot on guys .you're too good. I thought Chokin was cactus after that set-back, but came back twice to win the race 93' and 94'. Think the Chokin crash took the idea of inviting 3 year olds off the table after that. here's a clipping >>>> Chokin Few horses have a story of redemption like Chokin. The son of Vance Hanover made his debut in the great race as a 3yr-old - the first 3yr-old to be invited to the elite race. The race quickly became a disaster for Chokin, galloping at the start before collapsing from exhaustion at the top of the straight the final time. His driver, Brian Gath, said the occasion had been too much for the youngster - ''he was a frightened little boy''. Two years later in 1993, Chokin was back in Sydney after sweeping all before him at New Zealand Cup week - but he was not favourite with the punters. That was left to Jack Morris, who was sensationally scratched just seconds before the start time with blood coming out of a nostril. Chokin went on to win the 1993 edition in 2.00.0 and returned in 1994 to win in 1.56.2 - joining Westburn Grant as the only back-to-back winners in the race up to that point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 26, 2023 Author Share Posted February 26, 2023 9 minutes ago, Lightning Blue said: Think the Chokin crash took the idea of inviting 3 year olds off the table after that. Have that wrong. I see Another New Zealand 3 year old got invited. And the stewards scratched it at the start in a great controversy. so for today's Trivia....... Who was that Nz Star ? and did he get redemption in the Miracle Mile like Chokin did ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngakonui grass Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 26 minutes ago, Lightning Blue said: Have that wrong. I see Another New Zealand 3 year old got invited. And the stewards scratched it at the start in a great controversy. so for today's Trivia....... Who was that Nz Star ? and did he get redemption in the Miracle Mile like Chokin did ? Christian Cullen scr in 1997 won the race 1998. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globederby19 Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Yep Christian Cullen for sure. 1.54 and change on his ear, with Danny Campbell in the bike. He was scratched due to a pre race testing irregularity ('READ", the Aussies knew he would blouse them)and it was later found to be contaminated. How bloody convenient. Would have loved to see a horse like him go around at Menangle. Front on he looked like a fridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 27, 2023 Author Share Posted February 27, 2023 10 minutes ago, Globederby19 said: Yep Christian Cullen for sure. 1.54 and change on his ear, with Danny Campbell in the bike. He was scratched due to a pre race testing irregularity Hard to believe what sort of irregularity could of been on the spot detected. (like a RBT or something) .being scratched 10 minutes before the race very odd indeed. A gazillion horses just have the 'PRBT' blood drawn and bagged and sent off to the lab I would of thought, for testing much later on. Christian Cullen must of been not walking in a straight line out of the stables lol. O'Meara didn't resist the lure of money and did return a year later after vowing not to lol. according to this article >>>>>>>>>>> Christian Cullen Hilton Donaldson's call as Christen Cullen crushed his rivals in the 1998 Miracle Mile still rings in the ears of any harness racing fan who has heard his commentary. But Christian Cullen's Miracle Mile story began a year earlier, when he was only the second 3yr-old after Chokin to be invited to the Sydney classic. His tilt at the 1997 Miracle Mile came to an abrupt end 10 minutes prior to the race, when a pre-race swab revealed traces of a prohibited substance, forcing stewards to scratch the excitement machine. A botch-up which had allowed Christian Cullen's control fluid to be contaminated may have cleared his trainer, Brian O'Meara, but O'Meara vowed never to return to Harold Park after the error which stopped Christian Cullen from lining up. O'Meara and Christian Cullen were back a year later shortly after Christian Cullen had completed the New Zealand Trotting Cup/Free-For-All double in Christchurch. And thank goodness they came back, as his driver, the late Danny Campbell, let Christian Cullen loose at the 400m mark to crush his rivals who included Tailamade Lombo and 1997 winner Our Sir Vancelot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 27, 2023 Author Share Posted February 27, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globederby19 Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 It's not a bad field. Spirit well placed to set the terms. Catch a Wave sat outside a green Captain Ravishing and won last start, but I think the more mature horse will win this. My pick on recent form is Honolua Bay, came from last on a 1.49.3 mile last start, and Expensive Ego whom he beat has a worse barrier draw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 16 hours ago, Globederby19 said: My pick on recent form is Honolua Bay, came from last on a 1.49.3 mile last start, I'm with you GlobeD . the 1.49 is about what King of Swing was winning time in past 2 years. Honolua Bay very impressive in Hunter Cup too recently. Spirit of St Louis only 1.52 odd last week so has to find another 20m to be there at the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 $1,000,000 No NR. RBD. PACERS. Mobile TRIFECTA, QUINELLA, EXACTA, 2ND LEG DAILY DOUBLE, 3RD LEG QUADRELLA, FIRST4 Form Horse Trainer Driver Class Hcp 1 11093 MAJOR MEISTER NZ (Em 1) Jason Grimson Cameron Hart (C) NR111 FR- 2 01161 SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS NZ Belinda McCarthy Jack Callaghan (C) NR120 FR1 3 s2102 HURRICANE HARLEY Emma Stewart Mark Pitt NR120 FR2 4 14211 HONOLUA BAY Emma Stewart David Moran NR120 FR3 5 11141 CATCH A WAVE Andy Gath Kate Gath NR120 FR4 6 3s111 BRAEVIEW KELLY NZ Jack Trainor Cameron Hart (C) NR120 FR5 7 0s213 BONDI LOCKDOWN (Em 2) Belinda McCarthy Luke McCarthy NR120 FR- 8 02441 MACH DAN Emma Stewart Mark Pitt NR120 FR6 9 11s12 CAPTAIN RAVISHING Emma Stewart Mark Pitt NR101 FR7 10 81252 EXPENSIVE EGO Belinda McCarthy Luke McCarthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 Just now, Lightning Blue said: 6 3s111 BRAEVIEW KELLY NZ Jack Trainor Cameron Notice the ex-pat kiwi trainer Jack Trainor has been doing a great job with Braeview Kelly in Australia. She has won 9 of 12 starts in Oz including picking up 100k last week for her Nz owners !! not too shabby lol. For todays Trivia though Who is this in photo winning the Miracle Mile ?? the last mare to do so . (also bet you all recognise that 2nd placegetter for Nz 🏆) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackie Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 I see she went to a multiple MM winner, that foal should be quick! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globederby19 Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 Bit of controversy in this race as McCarthy drove the horse in a completely different way to those instructions given to the Stewards, and an inquiry continued for some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 2 hours ago, Blackie said: I see she went to a multiple MM winner, that foal should be quick! Hey I see she is Nz bred too. By the same sire as the 'Terror' there running 2nd for a Sire Quinella. Who as she gone to last season then ? 'King of Swing' I spose by the sound of what you say. She Has 2 young 'Sweet Lou' colts as her latest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackie Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 Well done LB, KOS it is.😇 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 Baby Bling with Matt rue driving with a victory whip flourish and Terror to Love for Nz powering home into 2nd were the answers to yesterdays trivia. Baby Bling one of only 3 mares to take the Miracle Mile crown. Here's one for today Trivia . Who is she? And Why was this Miracle Mile Win a Special One ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 Oh neat Go Spirit. Checking in & whats up. Gee Lightning you better tell Mr Forbs & Mr Davis to go to spec savers. Spirit ran approx a year ago G1 Sprint & won in time MR1.48 & change. He must be 1 of the fastest if not the fastest in the field going by mile rate to date. Gee they talk some rubbish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 (edited) 55 minutes ago, karrotsishere said: Oh neat Go Spirit. Checking in & whats up. Gee Lightning you better tell Mr Forbs & Mr Davis to go to spec savers. Spirit ran approx a year ago G1 Sprint & won in time MR1.48 & change. He must be 1 of the fastest if not the fastest in the field going by mile rate to date. Gee they talk some rubbish. Here it is Lightening Spirit is THE fastest in race. Clocking a winning best mile rate of 1.48.2 (26 Feb 2022) Expensive Ego 2nd = fastest clocking best MR1.49.1 (7 Jan 2023) Catch A Wave 2nd = best winning mile is MR1.49.1 (18 Feb 2023) Honolua Bay 4th fastest winning MR1.49.3 (25 Feb 2023) So there ya go. You can now Fact Check for the Know-All experts hehe. Edited March 1, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted March 1, 2023 Author Share Posted March 1, 2023 1 hour ago, karrotsishere said: Spirit is THE fastest in race. Clocking a winning best mile rate of 1.48.2 (26 Feb 2022) Great little horse. I'm hoping he wins it this time round. Great 2nd in the race last year too. A 1.48 would win it in My opinion. very quick lol.... we were running 1.58 with the good ones doesn't seem long ago 🙂 Honolua Bay is crunching out Big performances just at this current time . Certainly looks the one to beat. 'Captain Ravishing' and 'Braeview Kelly' running 1.49 to 1.50 miles as well. will make it interesting ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 (edited) 42 minutes ago, Lightning Blue said: Great little horse. I'm hoping he wins it this time round. Great 2nd in the race last year too. A 1.48 would win it in My opinion. very quick lol.... we were running 1.58 with the good ones doesn't seem long ago 🙂 Honolua Bay is crunching out Big performances just at this current time . Certainly looks the one to beat. 'Captain Ravishing' and 'Braeview Kelly' running 1.49 to 1.50 miles as well. will make it interesting ? Braeview Kelly 1.49. Hmm ok may need to add that trainer to my Deep South Watch Trainor is it. Isnt he best mates with the Magician Grimson? Plus isnt he also best mates with Anderson? Didnt they vaca together recently? Lets not forget Miracle Mile horses go into Retention Barn. Prob not for long enough. Not sure how long is it 48 or 72 hours? Should be 1 week. Anyway Go Spirit! May check back later. Good news, health is good. Yippee! Edited March 1, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning Blue Posted March 1, 2023 Author Share Posted March 1, 2023 18 minutes ago, karrotsishere said: Lets not forget Miracle Mile horses go into Retention Barn. Prob not for long enough. Not sure how long is it 48 or 72 hours? From midday tomorrow until 2 hours before the race. in control of HRNSW. The NSW Derby field of runners too is in the retention Barn for over 2 days. craziness. So Telfer's horse locked up too. Bloody rediculous. that's only a $200,000 race.? What's wrong with blood samples pre-race and urine swabs as per normal ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 7 minutes ago, Lightning Blue said: From midday tomorrow until 2 hours before the race. in control of HRNSW. The NSW Derby field of runners too is in the retention Barn for over 2 days. craziness. So Telfer's horse locked up too. Bloody rediculous. that's only a $200,000 race.? What's wrong with blood samples pre-race and urine swabs as per normal ? Ha interesting stuff. And apparently approx 1/2 the field are Lous. And apparently G Anderson is buying up the yearling Lou colts. Making the money when he turns them over. Smart man. And Rogerson/D Ferguson are doing the same but with fillies & they grabbed a top notch 1 by chance filly yearling. Not on their short list. By Utmost Delight. No bids. They were apparently up front saw no bids, were like heck yeah we will put our hand up. And by chance got a $15k Lou / Utmost Delight G1 filly yearling. Ha smart people. Much more risk adverse than shelling out $200k on a potetial dud lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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