Trainer Daniel Clarken believes that undefeated filly Miracles Of Life is ready for her return to racing after recording a dominant six and a half lengths victory in a barrier trial over 1000 metres at Morphettville today.
The 2013 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) winner was far too strong for a five horse field, which included Australia Day and Caulfield Guineas hopeful Éclair Big Bang, and raced away despite only being asked for the smallest of efforts by jockey Lauren Stojakovic.
Clarken told TVN that he was delighted with his star gallopers’ trial performance and said the daughter of Not A Single Doubt was ready for her return to racing in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 31.
“She won by six and ran a second and a half quicker than any other trial winner,” Clarken said.
“Lauren gave her a bit of a squeeze after they turned and that was the end of that.
“She’s now ready and we’ll be there for the McNeil in a couple of weeks.”
The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 16 is the most likely 2013 Spring Racing Carnival target for Miracles Of Life but Clarken said an ambitious tilt at weight-for-age level in the $1 million Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley was also a possibility.
“She would need to be right at the top of her game to do that, but at weight-for-age the three-year-old fillies get a huge start at the weights,” Clarken said.
While mares have dominated the Manikato Stakes since the turn of the century, with Sunline (2000), Piavonic (2001), Spinning Hill (2002 and 2003), Miss Andretti (2006), Gold Edition (2007) and Sea Siren (2012) all appearing on the winners list, no three-year-old filly has ever been successful in the prestigious sprint.