Catch-22 for Miracle Mile runner

CATCH-22…a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.

FOR Victorian horseman Aaron Dunn his ‘catch-22’ is the Chariots Of Fire.

Without producing a phenomenal performance in defeat, Dunn’s stable star Bondi Lockdown would not have received an invitation to Saturday night’s Miracle Mile at Club Menangle.

Driven by Dunn, the Australian Pacing Gold purchase was forced to work overtime in the ‘death seat’ before finishing second – beaten a metre-and-a-half – in a sensational 1:47.6.

While that run a fortnight ago was somewhat of a necessity to gain a berth in the $1million Garrards-sponsored event, Dunn explained the effort took its toll on Bondi Lockdown.

Stating the four-year-old had improved this week, Dunn remains moderately concerned about Bondi Lockdown’s preparation ahead of Australasia’s premier sprint.

“That run in the Chariots took its toll on him,” Dunn said. “He was a tired a horse for a few days so I had to ease up on him.

“He has bounced back and is feeling terrific, but I haven’t the perfect build-up I would have liked during the past two weeks.”

Dunn’s woes have been increased by Bondi Lockdown’s draw, with the entire receiving barrier nine.

The son of Somebeachsomewhere slots into seven with the removal of the emergencies.

No runner has captured the Southern Hemisphere’s ultimate speed test from wider than barrier six.

“The draw has taken its toll on me!” Dunn said.

“It has certainly made life hard for him.

“At this stage I haven’t really studied the field and form, so I can’t say what I will be doing, but there are a lot of variables that’s for sure.

“Whether he can put in another run like the Chariots and still win, I don’t know.”