Interdom 2019

[Messenger]

First Rankings

Spankem 1
Colt Thirty One 2
Thefixer 3
Our Uncle Sam 4
Cruz Bromac 5
Chase Auckland 6
A G’ White Socks 7
Ashley Locaz 8
San Carlo 9
Ellmers Image 10


Sundees Son 1
Big Jack Hammer 2
Marcoola 3
Massive Metro 4
Tough Monarch 5
Lemond 6
Majestic Man 7
McLovin 8
Kyvalley Blur 9
Temporale 10

Full rankings can be found here

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/dochr/marketing/InterDoms/Rankings3Oct.pdf

[Messenger]

Rankings update

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/id19-rankings-bling-mclovin-on-the-rise/

The only change to top 10's other than positional swapping is
Bling It On moving from 16th to 4th

[Messenger]

Final rankings

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/final-inter-dominion-rankings-reveal-new-number-1s/

There are only 30 pacers and 29 trotters left

[Messenger]

It begins this Friday.
It is now to be only 2 heats per night

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Silver-lining-for-the-ID19-series

And here are the fields

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/112902fd.htm

[Messenger]

IT'S TODAY

First of the trotting heats is 18.04 AEDST

(Trotters down to 20 including no McLovin)

I have read elsewhere that there has not been a lot of publicity/hype and pondering whether it has come to close to the other big races

[Messenger]

WOW

McLovin is still in it - just out of first round of heats

http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zealand/IRT-Inter-Dominion-Trotters-series-update-November-29th-2019

[aussiebreno]

6 months ago Thefixer looked to be above these but it appears he isn't racing as well.

I've really liked Chase Aucklands runs this prep. First of the horses in the running line home in the NZ Cup then won the FFA.

Smokey Ashley Locaz, only had the two runs this prep so will be peaking for the final.

Best 100-1 shot Mach Shard. Some peaks in performance at Auckland.

We will learn a lot more over the next 7 days. Looks to be a really open series between the Purdons and Aussies. Bring it on.

[Showgrounds]

Good call Breno, but Ultimate Sniper was most impressive in Ht 1 of the pacers; Mach Shard a top effort for 3rd. Ashley Locaz, not sure where he left his manners but a very good close sixth.

[aussiebreno]

With Soho Tribecca, Chicago Bull, Tiger Tara, Lazarus, Spankem, Pats Delight, Poster Boy not there and a number of other top horses this series was a bit ho hum for me a few days ago but the results of the heats has changed that somewhat.

Chase Auckland has taken the next step, Ultimate Sniper and absolutely mammoth run to beat him. AGs White Socks has basically broke or had a Vets Examination at all of last 5 so had excuses in hindsight so his win gives the series another genuine contender. Barry Purdon providing the main danger to Mark Purdons at this stage.

[Messenger]

McLovin might be Australia's best hope for success :(

[Danno]

Noticed Bling It On was trained for last night's heat by Belinda McCarthy, whereas he had been trained by Craig Cross for the Vic Cup, Belinda must be making a comeback, I haven't seen anything trained by her at the races for 4 or 5 years now.

[aussiebreno]

Noticed Bling It On was trained for last night's heat by Belinda McCarthy, whereas he had been trained by Craig Cross for the Vic Cup, Belinda must be making a comeback, I haven't seen anything trained by her at the races for 4 or 5 years now.
Harsh by the owners to take it off of a trainer right after winning a Gp1.

[Danno]

Harsh by the owners to take it off of a trainer right after winning a Gp1.

I thought so as well Brenno, not only harsh but difficult to see the logic!

[Messenger]

Fields for Tuesday 18.20 AEDST

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/120302fd.htm#field-52921-race-8-dl

[Yabbie]

And unfortunately McLovin is out (again!) with a virus and gone to the spelling paddock. Andy Gath very disappointed. Will stay in NZ and come home in about 2 weeks (presumably with the other Aussie horses after ID has concluded)

[aussiebreno]

Things Adam Hamilton has said pre race heat 2 tonight:

San Carlo leads no problems
Bling It On runs San Carlo down
Will be no speed in the race and just a sprint home
Ultimate Sniper is overs at $2.30

[aussiebreno]

Why the hell is this split screen with Tokyo wtf Sky

[aussiebreno]

Things Adam Hamilton has said pre race heat 2 tonight:

San Carlo leads no problems
Bling It On runs San Carlo down
Will be no speed in the race and just a sprint home
Ultimate Sniper is overs at $2.30
Honestly how does he have this job. Ultimate Sniper blitzes it. San Carlo no chance of leading.

Gets a small pass Bling ran down San Carlo probably in part because the tyre came off.

[Messenger]

What are the margins in? Lengths?

[Mighty Atom]

Not only are the Aussie horses outclassed so too the drivers.:(

[Messenger]

Yes Rod, Grant's drive was ordinary but in the 2nd heat Ultimate Sniper didn't have it easy but was too good

[Messenger]

Rnd 3

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/120602fd.htm#field-54314-race-8-dl

Colt 31 has drawn 2 while San Carlo starts on his back

In the other heat, My Kiwi and Bling have drawn reasonably in 5 & 6

[Messenger]

Here is the pdf of the points table after Rnd 2

I hope the attachment works

If it doesn't you will find a click here on this page

https://www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/irt-inter-dominion-championship-2019-racing/

It will take a win for Colt 31 to make it while Bling is only a couple of points behind the present cut off so 4th will probably do it

[aussiebreno]

Chase Auckland bet of the decade $1.50 to place with TAB. Is $1.26 with Ladbrokes and $1.35 Sportsbet. Colt 31 won't cross but also wouldn't be handing up to horses drawn 3-6 so its a terrible draw for them who will all probably end up near the tail. Whoever CA chooses to hand up to (if at all) he ends up leaders back and no further back because surely Purdons won't allow him to get 3 back fence. Probably hand up to Ashley Locaz who probably needs some certainty of points? Its in their racing styles so would be acceptable.

Don't even know if Ultimate Sniper will come round? As already qualified just sit back? San Carlo straight into running line probably gets first crack at getting to the death anyway so another reason for US to stay back. So probably not a bad draw for San Carlo.

I think Blings draw is absolutely horrible for him. He is just a sit sprinter. If he drew here in the final he would run near last. Thefixer will get to the front with Cruz Bromac behind him I would have thought. Unfortunately TAB have got it right with them equal favourite $2.30, I was hoping we could see $3.50+ Thefixer. There isn't much in the field, AGs will be thereabouts but given he has qualified and the draws of Marks two I don't think he is a winning proposition, Triple 8 will be rattling home if he gets to see fresh air so by way of default Bling should finish close enough to qualify but that is more a reflection of the rest of the field. His lungs will be burning at the 200m.

[Messenger]

It would seem Sniper is coming around

For most horses the second line barrier draw Ultimate Sniper faces in his 2700m mobile heat tomorrow night would be a market cooler but has has spent much of the series three wide so Rasmussen doesn’t bat an eyelid over giving away a start tomorrow night.

“He will probably go sit parked if he can’t get the lead and he will love it there.

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/All-Stars-dominating-the-market

[aussiebreno]

It would seem Sniper is coming around

For most horses the second line barrier draw Ultimate Sniper faces in his 2700m mobile heat tomorrow night would be a market cooler but has has spent much of the series three wide so Rasmussen doesn’t bat an eyelid over giving away a start tomorrow night.

“He will probably go sit parked if he can’t get the lead and he will love it there.

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/All-Stars-dominating-the-market

Interesting. Whether she is playing games?

If she goes 3wide blindly from the gate she is going to face a traffic jam of the horses drawn 3-5/3-6. Horse still good enough to deal with it but not exactly a 10/10 drive. If she tucks in behind San Carlo he gets first shot at moving 3 wide to the death and the death won't be on offer. I would have thought they would also wanting to be pushing forward with Ashley Locaz who still needs a solid placing to guarantee a spot in the final, so if US goes forward it makes ALs job a bit harder.

[Messenger]

From Michael Guerin

Ultimate Sniper (11) has been so dominant it is pointless finding one to beat him. ....
You can take the shorts Ultimate Sniper to win but 11-1/2/4/10 might be a trifecta and First4 play.

http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zealand/H2

If your thinking proves correct Brendan - there is money to be made :)

[aussiebreno]

From Michael Guerin

Ultimate Sniper (11) has been so dominant it is pointless finding one to beat him. ....
You can take the shorts Ultimate Sniper to win but 11-1/2/4/10 might be a trifecta and First4 play.

http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zealand/H2

If your thinking proves correct Brendan - there is money to be made :)

I've played Chase Auckland the place for the record with a very small win bet.

Be putting Ashley Locaz in if you want to play exotics though

[Messenger]

Finally I am home and can watch the third round of heats on the big screen and what do I get
¼ screen
why are we sharing the screen when nothing else is racing
Sky is a piece of $^!+

Ultimate Sniper playing with them???

[Messenger]

NZ are far too slow at getting results up on their site
We haven't got R5 up yet, much less R6 so that we can work out the points

[aussiebreno]

NZ are far too slow at getting results up on their site
We haven't got R5 up yet, much less R6 so that we can work out the points

+1

[Messenger]

Well two of the top 12 dropped the ball (Solid Gold and Classie Brigade) but while On The Cards did just enough unfortunately Bling disappointed big time again and Triple Eight jumped into the final
As we knew Colt31 needed a win not 3rd

So Mark Purdon/Nat have 5 in the final while Barry Purdon has 3

[aussiebreno]

Well two of the top 12 dropped the ball (Solid Gold and Classie Brigade) but while On The Cards did just enough unfortunately Bling disappointed big time again and Triple Eight jumped into the final
As we knew Colt31 needed a win not 3rd

So Mark Purdon/Nat have 5 in the final while Barry Purdon has 3

Bling does as expected. Heart the size of a pea

[Danno]

I hate bagging drivers, because just about everybody who has non idea does but.............I don't think one single Aussie came off the track in the Pacers heats happy with themselves.

[Messenger]

PACERS

Ultimate Sniper 51
Cruz Bromac 45
A G’s White Socks 43
Chase Auckland 42
Thefixer 35
Mach Shard 32
My Kiwi Mate 26
Ashley Locaz 25
Sicario 25
San Carlo 24
Triple Eight 24
On The Cards 22
Classie Brigade (E1) 21
Solid Gold 20
Colt Thirty One 18
Star Galleria 18
Bling It On 16
Another Masterpiece 16
Dance Time 15
Our Uncle Sam 15
The Devils Own 13
Check In 11
Conviction 10
Henry Hubert 9
Atomic Red 9

TROTTERS

Temporale 38
Winterfell 38
Paramount King 37
Majestic Man 35
Massive Metro 34
Marcoola 32
Habibi Inta 23
Tough Monarch 22
Destiny Jones 21
Valloria 20
Big Jack Hammer 19
Bonnie Highlander 17
Monty Python (E1) 16
C K Spur 16
Pres The Belle 15
Ronald J 11
Kenny’s Dream 11
Sertorius 10
Didjabringthebeers 6
Woodstone 4

In both gaits there is a gap after the top 6

Interesting that after the first round the pacers top 6 was the same as it finished up (and the trotters was not greatly different)

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/dochr/marketing/InterDoms/FinalPoints.pdf

[Mighty Atom]

Pathetic ID series except of course for the All-Stars their dominance in New Zealand and Australia shows no signs of abating and if anyone thinks this is good for harness racing you'd be deceiving yourself big time.
Two pacing heats poor prize monies if this is the future then harness racing is doomed. Harness Racing WA attempted to inject some life and interest into the Interdominion but since then it has steadily declined.
I believe that when the TAB is sold in WA ( which is imminent ) They are going to struggle in WA as with the other states.
Now as an observer after 20 years in trotting I can see where this is all going to end.
Many years ago the media was wholeheartedly behind harness racing, promoting the sport at every opportunity with great stories comprehensive form guides now their not the slightest bit interested and without media promotion, you're doomed.
My comments on harness racing are always appearing negative but I'm stating things as I see it wish I had a lot more optimism but alas.

[Messenger]

The draws for the finals

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/barrier-1-for-team-victoria-in-both-pacing-and-trotting-finals/

[Showgrounds]

Pathetic ID series except of course for the All-Stars their dominance in New Zealand and Australia shows no signs of abating and if anyone thinks this is good for harness racing you'd be deceiving yourself big time.
Two pacing heats poor prize monies if this is the future then harness racing is doomed. Harness Racing WA attempted to inject some life and interest into the Interdominion but since then it has steadily declined.
I believe that when the TAB is sold in WA ( which is imminent ) They are going to struggle in WA as with the other states.
Now as an observer after 20 years in trotting I can see where this is all going to end.
Many years ago the media was wholeheartedly behind harness racing, promoting the sport at every opportunity with great stories comprehensive form guides now their not the slightest bit interested and without media promotion, you're doomed.
My comments on harness racing are always appearing negative but I'm stating things as I see it wish I had a lot more optimism but alas.

You are from WA, I suggest you have a gander at the number of horses with the suffix NZ next to there names in any form guide for a trots meeting in your state.

The recent NZ Cup and FFA had the weakest fields for decades due to lack of genuine open class pacers. The handicapping system and lack of 4 year-old races and age features means horses are "on their mark" far too soon. As a result, most horses can be bought for the right money, usually a lot of money. Western Australia, in particular, is a popular new home for NZ horses. It's not just "open" class horses as youngsters also make the move. I note Virgil, which ran sixth in the 3 year old Sires final on NZ cup day, ran second first up in a feature race at Albion Park last night. Heisenberg, a good 4 year old from the Dunn stable and winner of races, is running in the Green Mile at Methven today but has been purchased by Australian interests and will be here soon. Plane loads of horses leave NZ each month bound for North America as well.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the dramatic drop off in foal numbers in both countries. As a former "small" breeder, the jump to be made from hobby to commercial status is too far. Yes, there are better quality stallions around these days but I choke when I see anything by, say, Bettors Delight running round the bush for $4500. Immediately you know either a breeder or several owners have bled cash. Shuttle stallions and frozen semen has been the death knell for smaller stud farms and breeders. The results are now being seen nationally by smaller fields.

The Auckland ID series has also seen some ho-hum representation from Australia. It takes a solid foundation and preparation to compete in an ID series; most the Aussie horses have lacked that. I disagree with the timing in recent years, the ID's in recent years have been run pre-Christmas. Traditionally, late February of March gives trainers more time to prepare their horses for such a grueling series.

Injuries forced the scratchings of some to prospects, The Fixer and Self Assured being a couple. Of course, both of these were All Stars horses which would just send more people into a rant, but it would have been great to see Ultimate Sniper facing off against Self Assured in the final.

Stakemoney is pretty ordinary but it is what it is.

[Showgrounds]

Sorry, meant Spankem not Thefixer (even spelt his name wrong!).

[aussiebreno]

6 months ago Thefixer looked to be above these but it appears he isn't racing as well.

I've really liked Chase Aucklands runs this prep. First of the horses in the running line home in the NZ Cup then won the FFA.

Smokey Ashley Locaz, only had the two runs this prep so will be peaking for the final.

Best 100-1 shot Mach Shard. Some peaks in performance at Auckland.

We will learn a lot more over the next 7 days. Looks to be a really open series between the Purdons and Aussies. Bring it on.

Thefixer has improved but not to the point where he was. Cruel draw but he is probably my pick to run third.

Chase Auckland ran 3 good seconds but had chances to win, not good enough and that draw is plain awkward.

Mach Shard done well to qualify as my 100-1 pop and had a good series but this final is obviously above him.

Ultimate Sniper drawn to lead and will do a demoltion job here. As long as Ashley Locaz can cross to the front he is the only hope of something being in the course photographers photo.

Had Ashley Locaz had Chase Aucklands Friday night he would have beat Ultimate Sniper for mine. $3.13 place currently available TAB. I'm not au fait with his gate speed to be honest but I can see him getting leaders back and from there will be a terrific shot at a placing. That will be my play.

Finishing Order:
1. Ultimate Sniper
2. Ashley Locaz
3. Thefixer
4. Cruz Bromac
5. My Kiwi Mate
6. A G s White Socks
7. Chase Auckland
8. Triple Eight
9. San Carlo
10. Sicario
11. Mach Shard
12. On The Cards

[Messenger]

6.19pm AEDST Trotters Final
7.35pm Pacers Final

$500k for the pacers is good money while the trotters could feel a little miffed at $150k

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/121402fd.htm

[Danno]

6.19pm AEDST Trotters Final
7.35pm Pacers Final

$500k for the pacers is good money while the trotters could feel a little miffed at $150k

https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/121402fd.htm

Definitely hard to comprehend the reasoning for that sort of difference, would be nice to hear why straight from the horses mouth.

[aussiebreno]

Definitely hard to comprehend the reasoning for that sort of difference, would be nice to hear why straight from the horses mouth.

NZ might have slightly different make up to Aust but if you segregate pacing and trotting into two separate sports participation in trotting wouldn't even be a third of what pacing participation is. Revenue of trotting wouldn't even be a third of what pacing is. I think it makes sense the prizemoney is about a third.

[aussiebreno]

Purdon/Rasmussen about 8 odds on favourites. Emma Stewart lift your game

[Messenger]

Winterfell a very deserved winner

[aussiebreno]

Winterfell a very deserved winner

True but placegetters good runs too.

Massive Metro snuck right under the radar. Place in every heat.

Different order but was same trifecta as their heat last week.

Menangle scheduled 2mins before the consolation was not very good programming.

[aussiebreno]

Gee I read how that race would pan out pretty badly

I think Purdons decided Sniper was their horse and to hell with the rest

Great win and great horse regardless.

Thefixer huge

[aussiebreno]

6 months ago Thefixer looked to be above these but it appears he isn't racing as well.

I've really liked Chase Aucklands runs this prep. First of the horses in the running line home in the NZ Cup then won the FFA.

Smokey Ashley Locaz, only had the two runs this prep so will be peaking for the final.

Best 100-1 shot Mach Shard. Some peaks in performance at Auckland.

We will learn a lot more over the next 7 days. Looks to be a really open series between the Purdons and Aussies. Bring it on.

At least I got one thing right

[Messenger]

Yes Ultimate Sniper was awesome
The way San Carlo could not hold his back when he went for home

[aussiebreno]

Ultimate Sniper bowed tendon