Can 53-year drought be broken?

ONCE touted as the most exciting prospect in the country, Ignatius has an opportunity to fulfil his early potential at Club Menangle on Saturday.

After 19 starts as a two and three-year-old which netted 16 wins and two placings, Ignatius was expected to make a smooth transition through the grades, but has struggled to adjust to the top level, with eight wins from his 31 subsequent outings.

Racing close to his best this campaign, Ignatius has four wins, two placings and two fourths from his last eight starts.

One of those fourths – at Menangle last weekend – earned the son of Roll With Joe a berth in the famed Miracle Mile.

“I’m just thrilled to have him in a race like the Miracle Mile,” trainer Todd Rattray said. “His run in the heat last week was huge.

“He did a heap of work and just kept finding up the straight…he never gave up.”

Drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two, Ignatius will be driven by Rattray’s brother, James, who is no stranger to Miracle Mile glory.

Based in New South Wales, James captured the 2013 edition of Australasia’s premier sprint with Beautide.

Victory in the $1million Garrards-sponsored Group One will see Ignatius become the first Tasmanian-trained Miracle Mile winner since Halwes captured the second edition of the Grand Circuit event in 1968.

Driven by local reinsman Kevin Newman, Halwes was prepared on the Apple Isle by Aub Wesley.

Affectionately-known as Tobey, Halwes covered the mile in a record 1:58.6.

“Beautide was bred by the family, so won the Miracle Mile as a Tasbred,” Rattray said. “But it would be nice to bring the trophy back to Tasmania if Ignatius can win.

“I’m happy with his draw, but it’s a strong field and he will need luck.”