Don Hugo winning the 2025 Miracle Mile
CHAMPION horseman Luke McCarthy is confident he can add to his recent dominance of the $1 million Miracle Mile this year.
The 43-year-old has driven four of the past six Miracle Mile winners and has three key contenders – Kingman, Don Hugo and Eye Keep Smiling - to add to that.
But first all three need to qualify through the two qualifying sprints at Menangle tomorrow night.
Don Hugo, who led throughout to win last year’s Miracle Mile for McCarthy, is drawn ideally in gate one to book a title defence by finishing top two in first qualifier (race five).
Maybe even top three would get Don Hugo through given his overall record and being the defending champion.
“He’s really well. We deliberately skipped the big Melbourne races to keep fresh and sharp for the Miracle Mile because it’s such a suitable race for him,” he said.
“It’s a great draw and he’s right where I want him. He won easily last week and I just nursed him once he had it won to give him as easy a time as possible.”
But Don Hugo has some serious opposition, headed by champion pacer and 2024 Miracle Mile winner Leap To Fame (gate four). Brilliant beginner and possible leader Hi Manameisjeff (gate five), Captains Knock (12), Speak The Truth (three) and Chase A Dream (nine) are the other key runners.
“I’m glad Leap To Fame has come down. It’s going to be one of the hardest Miracle Miles for a long time to get into, let alone win,” McCarthy said.
In the second qualifier, McCarthy’s NZ and Victoria Cup winner Kingman (gate eight) is the class factor.
But a wide draw and some hot opposition will make it a challenge. Hunter Cup winner Swayzee (gate 12), Newcastle Mile runner-up Rakero Rocket (five), emerging Queensland star The Janitor (one), classy Kiwi Pinseeker (two) make for a great race.
McCarthy’s champion mare Eye Keep Smiling has gate three in the same race.
“Kingman’s freshened-up superbly at home since his time in Victoria and I can’ t wait to get him back to Menangle,” he said.
“His Hunter Cup run was extraordinary after striking that early trouble and his work at home has been awesome.
“Don’t be surprised if the mare (Eye Keep Smiling) runs a huge race, too. She wasn’t quite herself in Melbourne for a few reasons, but she’s right back to best now she’s home and has a good draw.”
The other big watch of the night is boom mare Captains Mistress, the $1.10 favourite from gate three in the $250,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire.
A win would get her a golden ticket into the Miracle Mile and trainer Jason Grimson confirmed she would tackle Australasia's premier sprint if invited.
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PHOTO: Club Menangle/Pacepix
