Miracle Spin in line for Caulfield hat-trick, says trainer Bobbin
Andrew Bobbin's judgment on Miracle Spin looks particularly sharp now, though he admits there were moments he felt far from clever.
The Stawell trainer even contemplated if Miracle Spin would endure a second preparation with him following a barren three-start spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last in the Penshurst Cup.
Fortunately, Bobbin is now grateful for his persistence, as the import has thrived since encountering firmer, yielding ground and is set to pursue a third successive win this Saturday at Caulfield.
Having recently triumphed in the Casterton Cup (2000m), following a 1800m victory on the Caulfield Heath track, the horse is a leading contender for the $80,000 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival Hospitality BM78 Handicap (2000m).
"There were multiple times during the first six or eight weeks with this fellow that I thought maybe we might be looking at rehoming him as a pleasure horse," Bobbin confessed about the horse's earlier days with him.
"But once the softer tracks came around I realised that all his work has to be either done on the heavy sand or in the swimming pool.
"We worked out that the key to him is to just keep the weight off his limbs. I really think that has been the key to getting the best out of him.
"Tried horses all come with their battle scars and it's all about trying to keep them together, but this horse is moving as well as I'm sure he has for a long time."
The significant contributions of apprentice jockey Shayleigh Ingelse to Miracle Spin's recent successes were also highlighted by Bobbin, though her current suspension prevents her from partnering the horse this weekend.
Harry Coffey has been enlisted as her replacement, meaning Miracle Spin must carry its full 60.5kg. The draw of barrier 13 in a field of 16 further complicates the task.
"The wide gate isn't ideal, but he is a horse that is fairly tractable and if he can hopefully find a position somewhere on the back of the horses, he should be really strong late."
Check out the latest racing odds and betting markets for the race at online bookmakers.
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