A Thousand Guineas start is on the line for Miracles Of Life as she kicks off her Spring Carnival campaign in the Group 3 $150,000 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Miracles Of LIfe and Lauren Stojakovic are returning to Caulfield. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Morphettville trainer Daniel Clarken will have a better idea after the McNeil Stakes if Mircales Of Life will be capable of handing the 1600m of the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on October 16.
Miracles Of Life and regular rider Lauren Stojakovic are returning to Caulfield where they captured the hearts of the nation with their victory in the Group 1 $1m Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 23.
Clarken is more than pleased with Miracles Of Life’s condition heading to Caulfield and will get a good idea in what direction he will head for the remainder of the Spring after the race.
“The owners asked if she is a Thousand Guineas horse,” Clarken told the Sportsman.
“I don’t know but the McNeil gives us an option to head that way and we can also take a detour and head towards the Coolmore.”
“She’s furnished out beautifully, she has a big set of shoulders on her and a big bum on her.”
If Clarken decides against a Thousand Guineas preparation, he has plenty of time to redirect towards the Group 1 $500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) for the three year olds which is run at Flemington on November 2, the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Bookmakers have installed Miracles Of Life the $2.70 favourite for the McNeil Stakes with Caulfield Guineas fancy Prince Harada the second pick at $3.80.
The David Hayes trained Fast ‘N’ Rocking, who finished second to Miracles Of Life in the Blue Diamond Stakes and was an unlucky second two weeks ago to Safegurad in the Group 3 $135,000 Legacy 90th Anniversary Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 17 is on the next line of betting at $4.60.
And in Thousand Guineas markets Miracles Of Life is on the third line of betting at $7.50 behind Darley’s top filly Guelph at $5.50 and David Hayes’ filly Gregers at $6.50.
