Rejuvenated pacer chasing Miracle Mile berth

A REVELATION since a stable change late last year, rejuvenated pacer Cheerstolou will be "thrown in the deep end" on Friday night.

Cheerstolou registered nine wins and 22 placings from 78 starts before being transferred to veteran Queensland trainer Don Smith, but since moving north, the son of Sweet Lou has won nine of 10 outings, while finishing second in the other.

"He's exceeded expectations," Smith said. "From the first time I took him onto the track I liked him and felt he could do something, but not as much as he has done that's for sure!

"He did show a bit as a young horse, but lost his way for a while and struggled to really make much traction through the grades.

"That's changed since he got into the Queensland sun and he's definitely been a nice spark for the stable."

As for his pending assignment, Cheerstolou has been taken back down south to chase a berth in the prestigious Miracle Mile.

Australasia's premier sprint, the $1million Miracle Mile is programmed to be conducted at Club Menangle on March 14.

Cheerstolou's bid for a Miracle Mile start begins in the Newcastle Mile, with a 'golden ticket' into the Grand Circuit event awaiting the winner.

"He is being thrown in the deep end this week," Smith said. "You only get one opportunity to have a crack at a major race when they're going this well, so we might as well try for a big one like the Miracle Mile.

"I think he has speed as good as anything going around, so why not give it a shot!"

To be driven by concession reinsman Layne Dwyer, Cheerstolou has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier three.

"It's a good draw," Smith said. "I'm happy to be inside the main chances, especially Rakero Rocket.

"Layne is a good young driver with a really good attitude, so we felt we'd stick by him and show some loyalty by giving him the opportunity.

"If things don't go his way this week, we will try again by going around in the other heats next week."