Miracle secures 2016 Darwin Cup for WA
WESTERN Australian sprinter Miracle defeated a quality field to score a determined victory in Sunday night’s Group 3 Darwin Cup (537m) at Winnellie Park.
Starting from box eight as a $5.80 chance, the black dog was quick to leave the boxes and was able to muster pace in the run to the line on the first occasion, carving across the field to take up the lead.
Slipping into second spot heading through the first bend was local greyhound Arnhen Villain, but by that time the leader was off and gone, kicking clear down the back and giving else a look-in.
Swinging for home and despite getting a bit tired in the run home, Miracle had enough in the tank to find the line in front, scoring by two lengths over a gallant Arnhen Villain in 31.75.
First reserve Not Like Tommy, which gained a start from box three following the scratching of Lorus Time, ran on well to finish third, with Eisenhower filling fourth spot.
Trained in Malabaine by Brian Jacobson, Miracle has now won nine of his 32 career starts with a further 14 minor placings, with the son of Magic Sprite and Indigo Gem now boasting $58,000 in prize money earnings.
It was a deserved feature success for the 32 kilogram speedster, who qualified for the Group 1 Perth Cup earlier this year at Cannington, finishing down the track in the final won by Ima Wagtail on April 23.