Aussie update - March 3

By Adam Hamilton

THE one missing piece in the Miracle Mile driving jigsaw should fall into place today (Tuesday).

It’s no clear Luke McCarthy will drive favourite King Of Swing and his brother, Todd, will stick with Newcastle Mile winner Majordan.

But who will partner Alta Orlando?

Since Dexter Dunn ended speculation of a shock hit-and-run trip Down Under to drive the former Kiwi pacer, connections have been weighing-up all options behind the scenes.

“I’m pretty sure you’ll have answer by late tomorrow, or early Wednesday at the latest,” co-trainer Luke McCarthy said. “There’s a lot to consider.”

King Of Swing (gate four) hasn’t budged from his $2.80 opening price on the Aussie TAB straight after Saturday night’s barrier draw, while Alta Orlando (gate eight) has been the big firmer ($21 into $9). Code Bailey (gate five) has been the other firmer, in from $7 to $6.50.

The drifters have been: AG’s White Socks (gate one, $4 to $5), Lochinvar Art (gate nine, $3.80 to $4.50), My Field Marshal (gate two, $7 to $7.50) and Majordan (gate 10, $12 to $14).

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FORMER Kiwi pacer Line Up has been backed into favouritism despite a wide draw in his quest to complete the Victoria/NSW Derby double.

Queenslander Governor Jujon opened $2.70 straight after drawing gate six, but is out to $3 with the strong support for Line Up (gate eight) in from $2.80 to $2.60.

Line Up’s stablemate, Perfect Stride, has also firmed from $12 to $10 despite gate 10.

Butt is driving Line Up with young gun Cam Hart aboard Perfect Stride.

The All Stars’ barn is sweating on a scratching with Smooth Deal (gate seven, $8), who is first emergency after only managing fourth place in his heat last Saturday.

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KIWI trotters Temporale and Massive Metro have headed to Sydney after their Melbourne campaign.

The Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett-trained pair rate among the major chances in Saturday night’s $50,000 Group 1 Aquagait Trotters’ Mile at Menangle.

Temporale has gate three with Massive Metro in 10.

Last Saturday’s Group 1 Grand Prix winner Dance Craze looks the testing material again from gate four.

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KIWI glamour mares Our Princess Tiffany and Belle Of Montana lock horns again in a real bonus for Saturday night’s Miracle Mile support card.

Our Princess Tiffany has a slight edge from gate seven in the Tanyia Harris 4YO Mares’ Stakes (1609m). Belle Of Montana is outside in gate eight.

Belle Of Montana’s stablemate, Havtime, who packs plenty of gate speed, is drawn to be a factor from gate four.

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CLASSY Kiwi pacers Mach Shard and Hail Christian are among the major players in Saturday night’s $100,000 Platinum Projex FFA (2400m) – formerly the Bohemia Crystal FFA- at Menangle.

Mach Shard has the draw to use his early speed from gate five, while Hail Christian, who smashed the clock when fourth in a Miracle Mile qualifier last week, is out in gate 11.

The other key players include: Our Uncle Sam (gate two), Wrangler (one), The Black Prince (six) and Bling It On (seven).