Undefeated in five stunning matches since joining Jason Grimson, Captains Mistress should roll into the lead from gate three and is a $1.08 favourite.
First run in 1995, the last mare to win the Chariots Of Fire was Innocent Eyes in 2006.
Star Kiwi mare Oaxaca Lass won in 2003 and the first mare to win was great stayer Lombo Rapida in 2000.
Impressive qualifying winner Double Lou, who has 10 wins from 15 starts and three wins from four starts this campaign, is seen as the main threat from pole.
Last week’s standout My Ultimate Barney, who stormed home from near last to finish third behind Captains Mistress in the Paleface Adios Stakes, has gate two and is also in play.
The Andy Gath-trained pacer is one of two pacers – Miki B (gate six) is the other – looking to continue Victoria’s recent dominance in the Chariots, having won six of the last eight years.
But most expect Captains Mistress to win and book a spot in what will be one of the best Miracle Miles of the modern era.
Grimson has stated that unlike last year’s Chariots winner, the Bay of Biscay, Captains Mistress will advance to the Miracle Mile if she wins as expected this week.
Seasoned Victorian wonder Bulletproof Boy is the only guaranteed Miracle Mile runner on this stage, thanks to his upset victory in the Group 2 Newcastle Mile last Friday evening.
The rest of the field comes from the Chariots Of Fire and two qualifying sprints in Menangle on Saturday evening.
The Chariots Of Fire winner and the first two placegetters in both qualifying sprints are guaranteed Miracle Mile starts.
The remainder of the field will be chosen from the defeated runners in the Newcastle Mile, Chariots Of Fire and both qualifying sprints.
Grimson will be the big player on Saturday evening with Captains Mistress, along with Swayzee, Rakero Rocket, Hi Managirlff and Chase A Dream as key runners in the two sprints.
Luke McCarthy has his two stable stars Kingman and defending Miracle Mile champion Don Hugo in the sprints.
And in a coup for Menangle, the newly crowned Australian Horse of the Year, Leap To Fame, will chase a place in his third consecutive Miracle Mile during the qualifying sprints.
Leap To Fame has drawn gate four in its qualifier, but will go to three if Kingmaker doesn’t get a start initially.
Don Hugo was the big winner in the race from gate one, while Speak The Truth has three, Hi Managirlff (five), Chase A Dream (nine) and Captains Knock the Outside (12, but coming in 10).
In the other sprint, Hunter Cup winner Swayzee faces a monumental task to qualify for the Miracle Mile via an external draw (12).
Pinseeker did well in gate two, next to The Janitor on pole position.
Star mare Eye Keep Smiling has gate three with former Kiwi star Rakero Rocket, second in last week’s Newcastle Mile, and gate five.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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