03 December 2019 | Len Baker
The racing was keen and action aplenty as the second round heats of the Inter Dominions got under way at Alexandra Park on Tuesday.
PACERS – HEAT THREE
Six year old Rock N Roll Heaven-Atomic Gold gelding A G’s White Socks proved his opening night victory was no fluke by winning the third heat in a mile rate of 1-52.8 (last half 55.8 – quarter 27.8). Trained for the series my master Clevedon mentor Barry Purdon, A G’s White Socks again with veteran reinsman Maurice McKendry in the sulky was caught outside the leader and hot favourite Chase Auckland, before being allowed to stride clear at the bell. Travelling comfortably, A G’s White Socks reached the judge 1 ¼ lengths in advance of Chase Auckland, with Victoria’s My Kiwi Mate away third a half length back after a cosy passage three back the markers. Rank outsider Dance Time (four back the markers) was fourth, with Thefixer (eight wide final bend) making up many lengths for fifth three and a half lengths back. Queensland hope Colt Thirty One had no luck whatsoever after being trapped wide from the outset and finishing last. He will have to win on Friday to have any chance of making the final.
Without doubt the surprise factor of the series, A G’s White Socks ran the 1700 metre journey in a gross time of 1-59 and is now pressing for favouritsm.
PACERS – HEAT FOUR
Considering plans were up in the air following the Ashburton Flying Stakes when thought was given to sending Ultimate Sniper for a break, this Bettors Delight-Reality Check entire after winning the Junior Free For All on NZ Cup Day has gone from strength to strength and produced a gigantic performance to capture the final heat last Tuesday in a rate of 1-52.6. Driven by regular reinsperson Natalie Rasmussen, Ultimate Sniper was taken back from gate seven as the start was effected to settle at the tail of the field. Trailing stablemate Cruz Bromac (near last) forward in the last lap to challenge the pacemaker Classie Brigade on turning, Ultimate Sniper raced clear shortly after with Cruz Bromac giving chase. Always looking likely to score, Ultimate Sniper just lasted by a head over Cruz Bromac who’s effort was solid, with Mach Shard a length back in third place after trailing Classie Brigade who was fourth 1 ½ lengths away. The last half 54.8 – quarter 27.3). Luke McCarthy’s Bling It On had no luck at all after being buried four back the markers when fifth, while San Carlo (three back) came in sixth after losing a tyre in the straight. Other Australians Our Uncle Sam and Conviction were never a chance.
TROTTERS – HEAT THREE
Astute Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson and son Brad combined with improving 5Y0 Majestic Son-Love Hate Revenge gelding Majestic Man to snare the third heat in a mile rate of 1-55.7. Beginning best from gate three to lead, Majestic Man rated to perfection coasted to the wire 4 ½ lengths ahead of Dominion winner Habibi Inta which trailed in a last half of 55.8 – quarter a slick 27.7, making no impression over the latter stages, with Massive Metro (three back the markrs) using inside runs for third 1 ¾ lengths back a nose in advance of Winterfell (one/one last lap) after moving to face the breeze from gate five. Roughy Destiny Jones was fifth nine metes back after racing wide. Both Paul Nairn (Habibi Inta) and Bernie Hackett (Massive Metro) were delighted with the runs saying that they were looking forward to the longer trips this Friday and Saturday week. The gross time 2-02.
TROTTERS – HEAT FOUR
Seven year old Monarchy-Whosinthenest gelding Temporale has been in the top echelon for a number of seasons and registered a deserved victory in the second trotters heat of the night. Trained and driven by Tony Herlihy, Temporale momentarily from gate three settled on the back of the leader Bonnie Highlander outside him which flew away as the start was effected. Easing around the leader to take over, Temporale was given an easy time at the head of affairs, bounding away on turning to score by a half neck from a most unlucky Marcoola (three back the markers) which rattled home along the sprint lane, with Paramount King (three and four wide last lap) a head away in third place. Bonnie Highlander was fourth after an easy trip and Tough Monarch which galloped away from inside the second line fifth after recovering to be one/three at the bell. The mile rate 1-57 (half 57.5 – quarter 28.4).
The all important last round of heats will be held this Friday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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