Miracle Of Love wins at the Doomben midweeks for Arrowfield's John and Paul Messara
Miracle Of Love (left) wins at Doomben on Wednesday.
Miss Finland's daughter Miracle Of Love was $11 into $9 in betting in next week's Group 1 JJ Atkins after all but securing a start in the rich race with a strong Doomben midweek win.
Scone trainer Paul Messara and his father John, who bred and part-owns the filly, made the trip to Doomben to watch the two-year-old race and they weren't disappointed.
There were some nervous moments however when Miracle Of Love was boxed in behind the speed and rival runner Bangetta stole a march in the Doomben straight.
But Miracle Of Love, having her second race start after finishing third on debut at Scone on May 13, was backed from $1.80 into $1.65 and showed tenacity to break her maiden status.
The filly who is the daughter of the former champion Miss Finland moved to the fringe of getting a start in the 18-horse JJ Atkins field at Eagle Farm on June 10.
What a race! 😮
The daughter of Miss Finland's class shines through late, as Miracle Of Love downs a terrific Bangetta in the 2YO Maiden at Doomben. pic.twitter.com/DX59WZn7Di
- SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2023
With natural attrition above her in the ballot order, it is likely she will gain a start in the $1m two-year-old race over 1600m on Stradbroke Handicap Day
"It was a little bit tricky today, she was a little bit slow out of the gates and there were some pretty fast early sectionals," Paul Messara said, after Miracle Of Love won the 1350m Maiden Handicap for 2YOs at Doomben.
"Through the line she was very strong, I always thought she would be better over further.
"I think we can get into the JJ Atkins now, that's always been the goal.
"It's been a completely unusual preparation.
"We just ran out of time a bit and I wanted to get her ready.
"She probably should have won her debut race at Scone and the form around her from that day has been really good.
"I think she will certainly be competitive in the JJ (Atkins) if she makes the field."
Cifrafo, Make A Call and Tannhauser share $6 favouritism for the JJ Atkins.
Miracle Of Love was $101 when betting first opened on the JJ Atkins.
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