From the day she was born Single Gaze was always special, but breeder Jamie Middleton never dreamed she would take him to the Melbourne Cup.
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However the little chestnut mare has used her big heart to capture so many more on the road to taking part in Australia’s most famous race.
Born at Middleton’s Redbank North in Harden, Single Gaze is one of three Australian-bred horses in the cup field.
Living the dream, Middleton can’t wait for the experience at Flemington.
“It’s very very exciting, unbelievably exciting,” Middleton said.
“Did I think I’d get one there? No never.
“You always dream about it and dreams do come true.”
After a tough second in the Caulfield Cup, and drawing gate 11 on Tuesday, there is plenty to like about her chances as well.
Coming back from a nasty fall in the Oaks last year, Middleton has been thrilled by how well she has handled the preparation in Melbourne.
“She has done an exceptional job,” he said.
“She was a little bit unlucky in the Underwood, and should have finished a bit closer there, but her Caulfield Stakes run was exceptional and obviously the Caulfield Cup run was a huge run.
“It was a super run, a super effort when she did all the hard work and here we are.”
As a foal the daughter of Not A Single Doubt also showed plenty of quality and it was why Middleton decided to retain part ownership.
It is those qualities that have taken her to the top at track.
“She was always tenacious and had a little bit of quality about her,” he said. “And she had plenty of attitude.
“She was tough and when we prepped her for the sales she just loved her work and loved her food.
“The year we sold her it was extremely hot time of year at the Magic Millions, one of the hottest they’d had in a long time, but she handled it beautifully and didn’t miss a beat.”
It will be a big family affair for the Middletons and hopefully daughter Katrina, who has been left in charge of the stud, will join them for the race that stops a nation.
There is also plenty of promise for another like Single Gaze with a Hinchinbrook half-sister born late last week while the Middletons are preparing a yearling full-brother for the Magic Millions as well.
“That is exciting too,” he said.
“He is a nice horse.”
