Hart's huge Miracle Mile call

11 March 2026

ADAM HAMILTON 

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STAR driver Cam Hart has opted for an old favourite in the biggest choice of his career so far.

Hart has surprised many, including punters, by choosing to drive champion stayer Swayzee over brilliant young mare Captains Mistress in Saturday night’s $1 million Miracle Mile at Menangle.

It’s the one “mega” race Hart is yet to win.

When barriers were first drawn, Swayzee was $12 from gate one (after emergencies come out) and Captains Mistress a $2.80 chance from three.

But Swayzee has been crunched into $5 and Captains Mistress is out to $3.20.

The great Leap To Fame, lining up in third consecutive Miracle Mile, is $2.40 favourite. He won in 2024 and ran a close and brave second to Don Hugo last year.

Hart’s decision is the first piece in a fascinating driver jigsaw puzzle for the Miracle Mile.

Who will drive Captains Mistress?

It was expected 18-year-old Jye Coney would drive Jason Grimson’s third-stringer, Chase A Dream, but could he be offered the switch to Captains Mistress.

Surely another young star Will Rixon is right in the mix, too?

And what about Luke McCarthy’s pair? Who will he drive out of Kingman (gate two) and Don Hugo (eight).

There are pros and cons with both. 

As disappointing as Kingman was last week, his previous form was phenomenal and he’s drawn to drop straight in behind likely leader Swayzee and get a lovely trail.

Defending champion Don Hugo has done nothing wrong and didn’t have much luck at a crucial stage in last week’s qualifier.

But he will have to create history to win.

No Miracle Mile winner has started from the outside gate since the field was increased from six to eight.

And only Leap To Fame (gate seven in 2024) has been able to win from wider than barrier six.