THE Inter Dominion has come and gone, but the buzz around big races continues in Perth.
Next up is what shapes as a strong and fascinating $300,000 Group 1 Fremantle Cup on January 7 then comes the $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup a week later.
Classy Kiwi pacer Franco Nelson shapes as one of the big guns and comes through the Inter Dominion along with the likes of Beaudiene Boaz, Run Oneover and Bettors Fire.
But you can also add-in a couple of wildcards with emerging talent Rub The Green and star mare Major Reality. Both won impressively at Gloucester Park last night.
Rub The Green’s emergence and likely start in the Fremantle Cup poses a dilemma for regular driver Gary Hall Jr. He also drives Beaudiene Boaz, the nominal favourite.
“I’d take him there is I was ‘Mouse’ (trainer Michael Brennan),” Hall Jr said. “Along with Im Full Of Excuses, Rub The Green is the most exciting horse coming through the classes here.
“I knew he was good, but his past two runs he’s gone to another level. He copped some pressure tonight and I can’t believe how easily he won.
“He’s at his best sitting back and coming with one run, but he’s led, been pressured and won his past two really, really well. He’s going places.”
Asked whether he would switch from Beaudiene Boaz to drive Rub The Green, Hall Jr grinned, paused and said: “Ah, I’ll wait to see the barrier draw.”
That in itself shows the huge opinion he has of Rub The Green.
Major Reality, who landed a win and second in the two major mares’ races during the Inter Dominion carnival, earned a crack at the big league after another impressive win at Gloucester Park last Friday night.
It was Justin Prentice-trained mare’s most important win so far because she beat free-for-all class, including Run Oneover.
Prentice took Major Reality to the front, but opted to trail the headstrong Run Oneover when he drew alongside.
Run Oneover actually relaxed quite well in front, but Major Reality came off his back on the final bend and dashed clear to win by 3.1m in a brisk 1min56.2sec mile rate for the long 2536m trip.
Run Oneover held-on well for second, Delightful Offer pushed through for third and Bettors Fire stormed home from near last to finish fourth.
Franco Nelson and Beaudiene Boaz are slated to tackle next Friday night’s $60,000 Group 2 Village Kid Pace (2130m) ahead of the Fremantle Cup a week later.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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