Mile Run No Miracle For Chuffed Rixons

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday November 27, 2008

By CHRIS ROOTS

THERE is only one horse that can win tomorrow night's $500,000 Miracle Mile (1760m), according to Ellen, Hannah and Will Rixon - Divisive, their pride and joy.

The Rixon kids have grown up with Divisive winning races around the country, including four derbies, but most of the time he has been their pet.

"We help with him around the stable," nine-year-old Ellen said.

"He is my favourite horse and we're going to watch him win again on Friday."

Divisive stamped himself as the best horse in his age group at two, three and four years and has taken well to the challenge of the Grand Circuit racing.

The six-year-old is ready to capitalise on the kind program trainer-driver Peter Rixon has given him in recent years.

"He's pretty special to all of us and I didn't want to gas him as a young horse," Rixon said.

"I always had races like the Miracle Mile in mind with him and with EI (equine influenza) last year we didn't get the chance to run in them. It might be a blessing because he is still only lightly raced."

Divisive proved the second best horse in the country when runner-up to Blacks A Fake in the InterDominion in March.

The Miracle Mile was immediately set as a target but a lung complaint early in this preparation means he has had only three runs leading into tomorrow night's speed test.

He scored at Newcastle at the beginning of this month before just failing to run down Special Albert as he went 1min54sec in the Newcastle Mile on November 15.

"His Newcastle run was good but I have to admit I was disappointed he didn't win," Rixon said.

"He has only got better from that run and I'm happy to be in the race."

Divisive is considered a $17 outsider with TAB Sportsbet after drawing barrier seven in a market ruled by Blacks A Fake at $1.75.

"The punters still want to back the champ," TAB Sportsbet's media manager Glenn Munsie said.

"Blacks A Fake has rarely let them down and they are happy to take $1.75. Changeover is easy to lay at $5 but we are struggling to write a ticket for Melpark Major at $6 because of his outside draw."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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