Mia's Miracle tries to extend streak in claiming sprint

Mia’s Miracle will try for the hat trick when he runs in a $17,500 claiming race Friday at Northlands Park. His task will be made difficult by Espresso Springs and Lovely Start, however. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew five horses and goes as race 2 on an eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Mountain.

Trained by Ron Grieves, Mia’s Miracle closed out his 2014 campaign in style with a 4 3/4-length romp over Risky Call going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $17,500 claiming race Aug. 30. Grieves had the 7-year-old Kentucky-bred primed for a big effort when he came back from the long layoff, winning for the same price at six furlongs May 8.

Mia’s Miracle could bounce following a big effort coming off a lengthy layoff. However, Grieves has given him sufficient time to recover, and he came back last Saturday with a sharp half-mile work in 47.20 seconds.

:: Bet Northlands with DRF Bets. Get up to a $500 cash bonus! Find out more today.

In his last two wins, he was involved right from the start, but he can stalk, and he might need to if Espresso Springs gets the jump on him coming out of the gate.

Shannon Beauregard retains the mount.

Beauregard was also on Espresso Springs when the classy 8-year-old led from start to finish for the same price May 18. Trained by Rick Wise, Espresso Springs drew the rail, and there isn’t much doubt that Scott Williams will be asking him to use his substantial speed right from the start.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mia’s Miracle (Last 3 Beyers: 66-79-59)

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: He had a big effort coming off a lengthy break, and over the past five years, Grieves has a respectable 16 percent strike rate with horses making their second start following a layoff.

Espresso Springs (Last 3 Beyers: 64-75-80)

◗ The Arizona-bred has speed, drew the rail, and could be tough to get past if he breaks on top. A multiple stakes winner at Turf Paradise, he is on top of his game, with four wins from his last six starts.

Lovely Start (Last 3 Beyers: 65-66-72)

◗ Second as the favorite to Mia’s Miracle on May 8, he should get a nice trip from a stalking position and could pick up the pieces if the top two get carried away up front.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Adding to his appeal is that over the past five years, his trainer, Greg Tracy, and jockey Rico Walcott have teamed up to win at a 34 percent clip at Northlands.