BY MICHAEL GUERIN
The Holmes D G rollercoaster hit a mini high yesterday.
After a shocking week in which he blew his New Zealand Cup chances and then had no hope of overcoming a horror draw in the Free-For-All fate finally smiled on the Auckland pacer over the weekend.
First he was invited to defend his Miracle Mile title in Sydney on Friday after New South Wales Harness Racing Club officials had been divided over whether they wanted him in the race. Then he drew the coveted ace in the super sprint.
That was the same position from which Holmes D G led throughout to win last year's mile and while this year's field is stronger, his two key rivals have drawn poorly.
Interdom champ Shakamaker drew barrier four with Courage Under Fire at barrier five.
Trainer-driver Barry Purdon was thrilled just to make the field and ecstatic about drawing the ace, from where he has a good chance of holding the front.
While he may not have as much raw gate speed as Tailamade Lombo, who is drawn alongside him at barrier two, Holmes D G should be able to hold out the Victorian mare in the charge to the first bend.
With those two getting serious early the chances of any of the other four runners crossing them from out wide are remote.
"I have said all week the horse is as good as he has ever been and while has has had a tough week and still has to travel over on Tuesday, we are in with a good show from the ace," said Purdon.
But the bookies have already written Holmes D G off, rating him a $11 chance, with Shakamaker a $2.10 favourite and Courage Under Fire and Atitagain, drawn barrier three, at $4.25.
Racing: Finally something goes right for D G
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