Throughout the past fortnight we’ve stepped through some of Australian trots biggest triumphs and showdowns and today we land at number one.
So here it is, the greatest race of the decade as judged by Blake Redden.
1. 2010 Miracle Mile – Smoken Up
Was there ever going to be any other way?
We’ve already paid homage to most of the best horses of the decade but no list would be complete without Trigger taking pride of place.
The virtues of Blacks A Fake are well told, in fact he came it at number seven on this list for his fourth Inter Dominion win.
On this late November night, however, we saw the best of Lance Justice’s champion pacer.
He may have gone on to pace faster times, including a then record 1:48.5 in the 2011 Len Smith Mile, but it’s hard to topple this race as the most memorable of all his wins.
Justice raced the gate early but Blacks A Fake, drawn inside him, was able to hold the lead.
Not to be denied, Smoken Up was sent to eye-ball the four time Inter Dominion king.
From a long way out this race was screaming classic but you only need to watch the ding-dong battle up the straight to see why this epic war between two of the sports greats, is a clear number one on my list.
The Best of the ’10s Countdown:
10: Blake’s countdown of the races of the decade begins with the Tiger
9: The ‘Tide turns at no. 9 as Blake’s great race countdown continues
8: Plenty to Love as the great race countdown continues with no. 8
7: The great race countdown rolls on with arguably the greatest horse
6: Tommy gun takes down stars in great race no. 6
5: The greatest loss comes in at No.5 on Blake’s best of
4: When the people’s horse become a living legend
3: Faithful’s need for speed rewarded as Blake’s countdown reaches 3
