Miracle Mile winner primed for new stable debut

MIRACLE Mile winner Spankem is in prime condition ahead of his Queensland debut.

Engaged in a 2647-metre handicap at Albion Park tonight, Spankem will have his first start for local trainer Darren Weeks.

Previously prepared in New Zealand by former Queenslander Natalie Rasmussen and her partner Mark Purdon, Spankem joined Weeks’ team last month.

Spankem recently completed a stint with trainer Hayden Cullen who gave the six-year-old four starts for three seconds, including the Group One Easter Cup on April 3.

Spankem was sent across the Tasman for next month’s majors, which includes the $250,600 The Blacks A Fake on July 24.

The Group One Sunshine Sprint the week before is also on Spankem’s hit list.

“He has come across for the big features through the winter,” Weeks said.

“I do not know exactly how long he is going to be here, but for what I know, we have got him here for the upcoming carnival.”

As for his pending assignment, the son of Bettors Delight will begin from the 20-metre back mark which he shares with his former Rasmussen/Purdon stablemate, Turn It Up.

Spankem rounded out his preparation by winning a 1660-metre trial in 1:55.5 last week.

“After he got here he had a few easy days to settle in,” Weeks said. “His work since has been terrific and he had a good blowout at the trials last week.

“He has sharpened up from that outing, but will derive plenty from tonight’s run.

“It won’t be easy coming from 20 metres against a big field, but he’s going well enough to win as long as he gets the right run at them.”