Butt’s confidence is growing

ADOPTED local Tim Butt is quietly gaining confidence during the countdown to Saturday night’s Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Butt is poised to contest Australasia’s premier sprint with talented pacer My Field Marshal, which is attempting to complete a unique double at the venue.

Having captured the Len Smith Sprint last June, My Field Marshal is aiming to become the third pacer to capture Menangle’s two major 1609m events.

Smoken Up secured both features in 2010 before returning to repeat the dose in 2011.

Beautide then followed suit when triumphant during the 2013-14 season.

Len Smith has an invaluable connection to the Miracle Mile, given he was the driving force behind the Group One’s inception in 1967 when working as the club’s chief executive when based at Harold Park.

As for My Field Marshal, he made his way into the elite field with an eye-catching second in last weekend’s Sprint qualifiers.

“He’s in good nick,” Butt said. “I couldn’t be happier with the way he has pulled up from the weekend and how he’s been working since.

“His was probably the softer heat and he came through it just fine.

“It’s a handy draw, which gives him a chance to settle in a good position.

“If he can get the right run, he will be running home strongly.”

Drawn barrier four, My Field Marshal slots into three with the removal of the emergency, which has seen the son of Art Major listed at $10 on TAB Fixed Odds.

New Zealand superstar Lazarus remains the $2.40 favourite despite drawing the outside of the front row.

Lazarus finished third behind Tiger Tara and My Field Marshal in their heat.

Surprisingly, Butt has steered away from the top ranked contender when selecting the one to beat.

After demolishing the Chariots Of Fire field a fortnight ago, Jilliby Kung Fu is the ‘most likely’ according to Butt.

Jilliby Kung Fu, which is an $11 shot, will begin from gate five.

“The way he shot to the front and ran such a quick time without being pushed was pretty impressive,” Butt said. “There is a chance he can surprise everyone again and go straight to the front.

“He’s also had an extra week to freshen up and I reckon he’s the one to beat.”