The nine-year-old winner of 55 races and almost $3.6 million has shown something new in his eighth season of racing.

"Just when I thought he's shown me everything, he's changed again this season," Rasmussen said.

"I don't know why he's this keen at nine, but he's a different horse."

It is the newfound zest Rasmussen hopes will fill the one void in a stellar career.

"He's had the two goes before and never been 100 per cent right," she said. "It's different this time, I really don't think I've ever had him better going into a big race."

Even the worst barrier draw (eight), hasn't dampened Rasmussen's enthusiasm.

"The big (1400m) track at Menangle means that won't be as big an issue," she said.

New Zealand trainer-driver Robbie Holmes says he has the right mare to defy Miracle Mile history. Only two of the 42 winners have been mares, but Holmes is convinced stable star Kiwi Ingenuity can win.

Holmes arrived in Sydney on Thursday confident rather than just hopeful after Kiwi Ingenuity drew ideally in two and sparkled in a Rangiora trial in NZ last weekend.

The five-year-old sparkled over 2000m, covering her last 800m in a phenomenal 54.7sec.