Glimpse of what can be expected
POISED to play significant roles in the upcoming Carnival Of Miracles, Rakero Rocket and Double Lou gave a glimpse of what can be expected at Club Menangle last Saturday night.
Australia's premier fortnight of racing, the Carnival Of Miracles begins on March 7 and concludes the following week with the running of the $1million Miracle Mile.
First conducted in 1967, the Miracle Mile has developed into the southern hemisphere's ultimate speed test, with Rakero Rocket being primed for the Group One by trainer Jason Grimson.
Runner-up in his Grimson debut, Rakero Rocket then made his Miracle Mile credentials obvious by leading throughout in 1:47.3 to become the fastest pacing gelding on this side of the equator.
Have Faith In Me and Cya Art previously shared the record of 1:47.5.
Only My Field Marshal - a stallion - has gone quicker on this side of the equator with his 1:46.9 victory in the 2018 Miracle Mile at Club Menangle.
As for his latest performance, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven led throughout from the pole to stop the clock in 1:49.5 as Ubetcha Tigerpie and Petes Sadi So filled the placings.
Originally a $16,000 purchase via the 2021 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale, Rakero Rocket took his record to 11 wins and seven placings from 32 starts for earnings of $349,246.
Earlier on the card rising star Double Lou kick-started his quest for more Group One glory with an impressive victory for trainer-driver Bailey McDonough.
Sent for a well-earned break following his Breeders' Challenge success at Club Menangle last October, Double Lou worked to the lead from barrier eight before completing a five-metre win from Business In Heaven.
Tukaha was two metres away third in 1:52.4 over a mile.
Pleased with the gelding's performance, McDonough is priming Double Lou for the Chariots Of Fire at Club Menangle on March 7.
"He got to the front nice and easy and he did it as comfortable as he sort of likes to do," McDonough said. "He just does what he has to and I'm very happy with him.
"He's really bulked up so hopefully he holds that condition through this prep.
"I'll aim him up for the first week of Chariots Of Fire heats and see how he goes."
