By Adam Hamilton
Two heats down and two brave efforts for Smolda in the Perth Inter Dominion so far.
Mark Purdon’s decorated pacer sat parked when second to Bettors Fire on opening night and forced to do the work outside the leader again when third to Run Oneover at Bunbury last night (Tuesday).
“He’s gone well again,” Purdon said. “I was happy to go around and sit outside the leader, but th head win down the back straight made it hard work, especially when the leader was flying.
“I’ve been happy with both runs, but it would be nice to get a better draw in the last heat.”
Asked whether he still felt Smolda was a serious winning hope for Friday week’s Grand Final, Purdon said: “Yes, he certainly didn’t go any worse than tonight than he did last Friday. He’ll some things to go right though.”
It’s worth noting the two horses who beat Smolda home last night both raced on the marker pegs with Run Oneover in front and NSW pacer Freyberg following the leader.
The other Kiwi raider in Perth, Franco Nelson, also pleased caretaker trainer-driver Dexter Dunn with a close fifth to Run Oneover.
He was involved in a brief early speed burn for the lead with Run Oneover.
“I looked across at the start and saw Run Oneover wasn’t charging right up on the gate, so I changed my mind and had a wee crack for the lead, but he was able to kick through and hold me out,” Dunn said.
“I was happy to sit on Mark when he came around which gave me a good trip and he wasn’t too far away at the finish.
“He seems to be getting through the series well, but I’m hoping he gets a good draw on Friday. He might need it to get enough points to make the final.”
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