By Adam Hamilton
Shane Tritton only knows one way.
The leading NSW trainer has built his success on aggressive tactics and that certainly won’t change with Mach Beauty during the Perth Inter Dominion.
That aggression was already on display when Mach Beauty had a workout between races at Gloucester Park last Friday night.
With stand-in driver Gary Hall Jr aboard, Mach Beauty worked solo over 1700m and scorched his last mile in 1min53.7sec.
“He needed a hitout after missing the Melton race last week,” Tritton said. “He was a bit lazy, but Gary did a good job to keep his mind on things
“He handled the track well, came through it well and will be better with Lauren (Panella) aboard just because she knows his quirks and how to switch him and getting him keen.”
Tritton said the structure of the Inter Dominion barrier draws – nine of the 10 runners in each heat draw the front row – will really help Mach Beauty.
“That’s one of the main reasons he’s here. He such a quick beginner and should lead from just about any front row draw,” he said.
“We only have one plan and that’s to go forward, lead and roll along. It’ll make for exciting racing I can assure you.”
Gary Hall Jr was also stand-in driver for former Kiwi pacer Franco Ledger, who narrowly won a three-horse workout between races at Gloucester Park last Friday.
Franco Ledger sat on the back of the leader, his stablemate Flaming Flutter, and nabbed him late to win by a head with both hitting the line without being extended.
NSW pacer Shannonsablast caught the eye after sitting last of the three, coming three-wide on the final bend and finishing right alongside Franco Ledger and Flaming Flutter.
“I was really happy. He got around the bends well and did it under his own steam,” trainer-driver Darren Elder said.
“He needed that. He hasn’t run since the Queensland Championship a month ago.”
Elder said he was exploring the availability of champion US driver Tim Tetrick to partner Shannonsablast at some stage of the series.
Tetrick is visiting Perth for a special drivers’ series during the Inter Dominion.
“He’s the best mile driver in the world, so if he’s here for Bunbury (Tuesday week) then I’ll put him on,” Elder said.
Webster was pleased with Franco Ledger and Flaming Flutter.
“They both got around the track well, came through it well and it just caps a perfect preparation. We’re ready to go,” he said.
Webster will drive Flaming Flutter through the series with Anthony Butt expected to take the reins on Franco Ledger.
The other Inter Dominion horse to work between races last Friday was emerging Victorian pacer Major Crocker.
Trainer Vince Vallelonga gave him a soft workout with the five-year-old only quickening for a 400m dash home.
The fields and barrier draws will be out about 1pm NZ time Tuesday for the first round of Inter Dominion heats at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
NOTE: It is well worth following the @PerthInters twitter handle for some fantastic video content
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