Underestimate veteran your own peril

VICTORIAN horseman David Aiken has offered some sage advice ahead of Saturday night’s Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

While acknowledging Lennytheshark’s stance as the Methuselah of the elite eight-horse field, Aiken warned rivals they will underestimate the veteran at their own peril.

“He’s meeting the new kids on the block, but he is feeling terrific and is ready to do it all again,” Aiken said. “I still wouldn’t swap him for any other in the race.

“I just finished working him an hour ago and he is going as good as ever.”

Lennytheshark forged his way into the Grand Circuit event as the defending champion, with Aiken confident the son of Four Starzzz Shark can join the select group of consecutive winners.

Victory will see Lennytheshark become just the seventh title holder to successfully defend his crown since the prestigious sprint’s inception in 1967.

Westburn Grant was the ground breaker in 1989 and 90, followed by Chokin (1993 and ‘94), Holmes D G (1999 and 2000), Sokyola (2003 and ‘04), Be Good Johnny (2005 and ‘06) and Smoken Up (2010 and ‘11).

Lennytheshark has drawn barrier seven, but moves into six with the removal of the emergency.

The stallion is on the seventh line of betting at $21, with Charlaval the only runner paying more on TAB Fixed Odds.

“I was just looking at the sectionals from last week again and he got home in 53 seconds after doing a bit of work early,” Aiken said. “He went quicker last week than he did the year before when he won.

“The draw hasn’t helped, but he’s in good shape and ready to win.”