“We’re going to need a genuine speed up front”

CHAMPION horseman Anthony Butt is hoping for a case of déjà vu at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

Making the trip across the border from his Victorian base, Butt is set to contest the Southern Hemisphere’s premier event – the Miracle Mile – with Wolf Stride, which he co-trains with Sonya Smith.

Racing in sensational form, Wolf Stride earned his position in the $1million Garrards-sponsored feature by capturing last weekend’s Group One Allied Express Sprint around the world class 1400-metre circuit.

Drawn awkwardly in barrier seven, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven is on the third line of betting at $12 with TAB Fixed Odds.

Defending champion King Of Swing is a commanding $1.40 favourite from gate six.

Both pacers will move in one position once the emergencies are taken out of the equation.

Three years ago Butt partnered another third favourite, My Field Marshal, which captured the Grand Circuit gem in an Australasian record 1:46.9.

Like the 2018 edition, Butt believes a blistering tempo is the key to Wolf Stride’s prospects.

“The draw hasn’t made life easy,” Butt said.

“We have to hope we can settle into a good position early from there.

“Like it was with My Field Marshal we’re going to need a genuine speed up front to allow those from behind, like Wolf Stride will be, to have a chance of finishing over the top of the leaders in the straight.”