Playing his cards close to his chest

TRADITIONALLY a straight talking personality, Kevin Pizzuto was being rather coy when discussing Saturday night’s Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Never one to shy away from declaring his intentions – especially in relation to stable star Tiger Tara – Pizzuto is curiously remaining somewhat tight-lipped with the tactics likely to be adopted in the time honoured sprint.

Gaining a berth in the Grand Circuit event with a win in last weekend’s Group One heat, Tiger Tara will begin from the pole, but does that mean the gelding will be pushed out of the mobile in search of the lead?

During his latest win, Tiger Tara was sent forward from barrier three to take the lead from Mach Doro before stopping the clock in 1:51.5.

“There’s a few option from there,” Pizzuto said. “I guess we’ll just wait until the start and see what happens.

“It’ll be up to Todd (McCarthy, driver) to make a decision from there.”

Pizzuto also adopted a philosophical approached when asked which runner is the one to beat.

“They are nice horses, any of them can win and deserve to,” Pizzuto said. “So good luck to everyone in it.”

One point the astute horseman was more open in discussing was Tiger Tara’s condition.

“He’s feeling great,” Pizzuto said. “He has pulled up terrific from the run and is ready to go again…just like the war horse he is!

“I won’t do anything different with him this week, just our usual routine knowing he will be right at his best on the night.”

Tiger Tara is on the third line of betting at $5 with TAB Fixed Odds, with Lazarus the favourite at $2.40 followed by Soho Tribeca at $3.20.