First rankings announced for the 2016 TAbtouch Perth Inter Dominion

Interstate and New Zealand Invaders dominate the first rankings for the 2016 Tabtouch Perth Inter Dominion, which have just been released by Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA), with 22 of the top 30 ranked pacers from outside of Western Australia.

The rankings are headed by defending champion Lennytheshark. The David Aiken trained and Chris Alford driven star is automatically ranked number one as the winner of the 2015 TABtouch Inter Dominion at Gloucester Park, while his stable mate Hecktorjayjay is also in the top ten, ranked five after a dominant winter preparation.

Ranked two and three respectively are Smolda and Have Faith In Me from the all-conquering Mark Purdon-Natalie Rasmussen stable. Have Faith In Me defeated Lennytheshark in an Australasian mile record, winning an epic Miracle Mile at Menangle in February, while Smolda was narrowly defeated in the Victoria Cup by ‘Lenny’ at Melton before winning the Hunter Cup at the same venue a week later.

Dual Inter Dominion champion, Beautide, a somewhat surprise nomination for James Rattray, is ranked number four and looking to regain his title which he won in 2014 and defended in 2015, both at Menangle.

New Zealand trained performers Tiger Tara and Mossdale Conner are also in the top ten, at seven and eight respectively.

Western Australia’s top ranked hope is dual Group One Pacing Cup champion, My Hard Copy (6), from the stables of leading trainer, Gary Hall Snr. Hall has four entries in the top thirty, with Beaudiene Boaz (14), Run Oneover (23) and Waylade (28), rounding out his deputation.

Last start Gloucester Park winner Bettor’s Fire is hoping for more luck than he had last Inter Dominion series after being ranked 18. Both of Clive Dalton’s contingent, John Of Arc and Elegant Christian, are in the top 30, being placed 24 and 25 respectively, while the Greg and Skye Bond stable has Our Jimmy Johnstone ranked at 26.

WA’s top mare and last year’s Inter Dominion finalist Libertybelle Midfrew snuck into the top 30 at number 27.

“Never before have we seen such talent nominated for a series” declared RWWA chief handicapper Warren Wishart

“To have horses the ilk of Lennytheshark, Smolda, Have Faith In Me, My Hard Copy and Mossdale Conner who were the top 5 performers on the Grand Circuit last season as well as past Inter Dominion champ Beautide and the emerging star Hectorjayjay all possible runners in the series.

“Throw in New Zealand Free For All winner from last season Tiger Tara and the Group 1 Blacks A Fake winner Ohoka Punter and two time heat winner from last season Philadelphia Man and you have an impressive top ten.”

Gloucester Park Harness Racing (GPHR) were equally impressed with the quality of the series

“All you have to do is look at the pacers that haven’t cracked the top 30 positions to see what a great series this is shaping up to be” said GPHR Chief Executive Michael Radley

“There is plenty of water to flow under the bridge yet and there is always plenty of movement from the first rankings to the final fields, and no doubt the rankings will cause much debate, as they always do.

“I don’t envy Warren’s (Wishart) job” Radley added.

The second rankings are due on Monday, 3 October with the first acceptance payment due on Friday, 7 October by 4pm (WA time), with payment to RWWA.

The top thirty pacers will compete in the $1.8M Tabtouch Inter Dominion Series, which starts on Friday 25 November, followed by heats at Bunbury on Tuesday 29 November and the final round of heats back at Gloucester Park on Friday 2 December. The $1.1 Million Grand Final will be held on Friday 9 December at Gloucester Park.

Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com

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