Chance to go one better

CONNECTIONS of New Zealand raider Sooner The Bettor are hopeful he can go "one better than last year" this weekend.

Making the trip across the Tasman for a pair of features, Sooner The Bettor finished second behind Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile at Club Menangle.

Racing roughly at various stages, the son of Bettors Delight was beaten two-and-a-half metres in 1:48.3.

Back for Saturday night's edition, Sooner The Bettor earned a berth in the $1million Garrard's-sponsored event via last week's qualifier.

"We were very happy with his run in the heat," co-trainer Barry Purdon said. "He didn't go as well as we would have liked the previous week, but was more like himself the second time.

"Scott (Phelan, co-trainer) is over there with him and is pleased with the way he has settled in and felt since his run.

"With a bit of luck he can go one better than last year come Miracle Mile night."

To be driven by Gavin Fitzpatrick, Sooner The Bettor has drawn barrier four, but slots into three once the emergencies are taken out.

TAB Fixed Odds have the five-year-old listed at $41, with Leap To Fame the $2.20 favourite despite drawing wide in gate eight.

"It's a handy draw, which should give him a chance to slot into a nice position early," Purdon said.