Chariots Of Fire - one for the ages

21 February 2022

Saturday night’s $250,000 Cordina Farms Chariots of Fire was one for the ages.

Taken out by the Jess Tubbs trained and Greg Sugars driven Better Eclipse, the Group 1 feature was run at a frantic pace with the first quarter posted in a sensational 24.3 seconds and an overall mile rate of 1.47.6 which was only marginally outside Field Marshall’s 1.46.9 track record.
It was Better Eclipse’s biggest win of his short career which also gained him automatic entry into the million dollar Garrards Miracle Mile being run at Tabcorp Park Menangle on March 5.
Despite having driven in some of the biggest races throughout Australia, Greg Sugars admitted after the race that he was in a state of disbelief when he crossed the line and saw the astonishing time his pacer had ran.
“This is my first success in the Chariots, and I could not be prouder of Better Eclipse,” Sugars said.
“I have driven in the race many times and to win my first one aboard this horse and for Jess is just a dream.”
“This bloke means a lot to us, and I have driven him for most of his career, not only for Jess but also for his original trainer Craig Hoban.”
“His rise through the ranks has been incredible. We keep stepping him up and he rises to the occasion. To have now won the Chariots of Fire and to have a shot at the Miracle Mile is both surreal and very satisfying for us.”
Few would argue that Sydney based reinsman, Cam Hart is poised for greatness despite his tender age.
On Saturday night, the state’s leading driver brought up four winners, something he has done on previous occasions but on such a big night, it was a huge achievement.
Hart’s quartet included a double for Menangle Park trainer Jason Grimson and victories in both heats of the NSW Oaks aboard the Jarrod Alchin’s bonny filly Madrid and ex kiwi filly Amore Vita for Victorian raider Nathan Purdon.
Hart who celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday, who will travel to Goulburn this afternoon to drive in five of the eight races believes the Grant Forrest trained Orlando Storm (race 2) is his best chance of winning.
The square gaiter was a Canberra winner three starts back and is one of six runners in the race for Forrest.