Superbly bred filly Miracle Of Love has moved a step closer to a start in the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes with a narrow but important victory at Doomben.
By Dundeel out of 2006 Golden Slipper winner Miss Finland, Miracle Of Love’s victory in Wednesday’s 1350m maiden took her prizemoney earnings to $36,000 and trainer Paul Messara was hopeful it would be enough to secure a start in the J J Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
“We always thought she’d be better over further, so we’ll see how she comes through this,” Messara told Sky Racing.
“There is a possibility to run in the JJ, I think we can get in now with the prizemoney hopefully.
“That’s always been the plan but there is always a plan B if needed.”
Miracle Of Love showed she had inherited her share of the family’s ability with an outstanding debut third in the Listed Woodlands Stakes (1100m) at Scone.
Needing to boost her bank balance to be any chance of an Atkins start, Messara opted to take her to Doomben, although his plans were very nearly foiled when she was tardy to jump then momentarily lost her position on the home turn.
Once in the clear, Miracle Of Love ($1.65 fav) showed her class, lengthening beautifully under Jake Bayliss to reel in Bangetta ($6.50) with Et Tu Brute ($10) another two lengths away third.
“It was a good ride and got the job done but it was a tough race,” Messara said.
“Once she got through, and through the line, she was very strong.”
Miracle Of Love has moved to the third line of J J Atkins markets at $9 with Cifrado, Make A Call and Tannhauser sharing early favouritism at $6 apiece.
