Interdominion 2015

[HaroldParker]

They have to get everyone to Sydney for 4 x Heats the week before and to make it even more attractive for peeps to bring them they should add a 50K Mile race on Final Day to coincide with the 100K Bohemia Crystal.

Away from Menangle, the other three heats were won and done after the barrier draw. Which from a punting perspective, was great last night but it's not fitting with an Interdominion where traditionally you get a chance to atone for a bad draw a few days later or the following Saturday in a second and third heat.

@ Melton, very much like the Derby the week before, the pegs in a solidly run race is dynamite. The only surprise for me was that when Restrepo held the top Abettorpunt didn't go three pegs. Wartime Sweetheart got there and finished 3rd.

@ Albion Park, Forever Gold drew inside her two main dangers, game over. Couldn't believe she touched $4.30. Even if the 2 crossed I thought she'd be too slippery up the sprint lane.

@ Gloucester Park, if either of David Hercules or Hokunui Ben draw the same gate as Livingontheinterest they lead and win. No disrespect to Livingontheinterest, I was on him last night and I thought Clinton Hall had pinched it but he was #4 in the pecking order in that heat pre-draw. Anyone that does form regularly at Gloucester Park knows that a horse can go from starting Even money from a draw it'll lead from to 25-1 the following week v the same field from the outside or back row.

@ NZ, who cares. That race was comical ... again. Back to back 2.02+ Mile Rates.

As much as they dressed it up on Sky2 as 75 minutes of great pacing action. A mate of mine was at Gloucester Park and reckons there was nil atmosphere. It was the first race on a Saturday evening in the Sunshine. The Victorian and Queensland heats felt like I'd watched the same FFA a dozen times before. What made the Interdominion great is a mix of horses who rarely raced one another coming together.

In 2015, 4 Heats at Menangle. Rank the horses from 1 - 40 and build the heats accordingly. The first 3 in each heat into the final + 2 Wildcards and add the extra race on Final Day.

and why not move the Truer to a fortnight before the heats. The Truer is lost atm. A fortnight before the ID Heats would surely attract a better field / lead up.

another thing they should think about as well, is I know they want to stack Final Day with everything bar the kitchen sink but the Chariots was lost in the mix last year and will be again this year. The Derby, Oaks and Trotters I get, not the Chariots.

Have the Chariots on ID Heat night, perhaps one of the two Wildcards could be first dibs to the Chariots winner.

Sat Feb 7 Hondo Grattan (Chariot Heat)

Sat Feb 14 Paleface Adios (Chariots Heat)

Sat Feb 21 Chariots of Fire, ID Heats, Derby Heats and Oaks Heats.

Sunday March 1 - ID Final etc etc etc

as far as the Truer, I reckon Bankstown should seriously consider a Sunday Twilight on the 8th or 15th. I know I'd go.

[Race For Fun]

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=25184

[aussiebreno]

TAB Very quick on the odds.

Beautide $ 4.20
Christen Me NZ $ 5.50
Guaranteed $ 5.50
Terror To Love NZ $ 7.00
Lennytheshark $ 8.00
Adore Me NZ $ 9.50
For A Reason $ 11.00
Restrepo $ 11.00
Philadelphia Man $ 12.00
Suave Stuey Lombo $ 14.00
Billies A Star NZ $ 18.00
Franco Nelson NZ $ 18.00
Bit Of A Legend NZ $ 21.00
David Hercules $ 21.00
Easy On The Eye NZ $ 21.00
Mach Beauty $ 21.00
Avonnova $ 26.00
Elios NZ $ 26.00
Keayang Steamer $ 26.00
Macho Comacho NZ $ 26.00
Border Control NZ $ 41.00
Franco Ledger NZ $ 41.00
Im Corzin Terror NZ $ 41.00
Our Jimmy Johnstone NZ $ 41.00
Abettorpunt $ 51.00
Bettors Fire NZ $ 51.00
Chancellor Cullen NZ $ 51.00
Jivin Cullen NZ $ 51.00
Johny Rock USA $ 51.00
Keayang Cullen $ 51.00
Majestic Mach $ 51.00
Our Hi Jinx NZ $ 51.00
Courage To Rule NZ $ 61.00
Devendra $ 61.00
Elusive Chick NZ $ 61.00
Field Officer NZ $ 61.00
Flaming Flutter NZ $ 61.00
Majestic Major NZ $ 61.00
Maximan NZ $ 61.00
Seel N Print NZ $ 61.00
Arden Rooney NZ $ 81.00
Beauty Secret $ 81.00
Bettor Offer NZ $ 81.00
Bitobliss $ 81.00
Blazin N Cullen NZ $ 81.00
Devil Dodger NZ $ 81.00
Iam Mr Brightside NZ $ 81.00
Mach Alert NZ $ 81.00
Macha NZ $ 81.00
Terrorway NZ $ 81.00
Bellas Delight $ 101.00
Bettor Bet Black $ 101.00
Chariot King $ 101.00
Chilli Palmer NZ $ 101.00
Forever Gold $ 101.00
Lochinver NZ $ 101.00
Magical Telf NZ $ 101.00
Monifieth NZ $ 101.00
Saveapatrol NZ $ 101.00
Supreme Mach NZ $ 101.00
Teo Enteo $ 101.00
Gaius Caesar NZ $ 126.00
Whozideawasthis NZ $ 126.00
American Legend $ 151.00
Ardghal NZ $ 151.00
Aspiring Artist $ 151.00
Brigadier Bronski $ 151.00
Caesars Folly NZ $ 151.00
Fearless Leader NZ $ 151.00
Heza Thrill NZ $ 151.00
Hokonui Ben NZ $ 151.00
In The Perfect Storm NZ $ 151.00
Living Lord NZ $ 151.00
Mark Dennis $ 151.00
Mysta Magical Mach NZ $ 151.00
Our Major Mark NZ $ 151.00
Pemberton Shard NZ $ 151.00
Rule Like A King NZ $ 151.00
Sensational Gabby $ 151.00
Terror Time $ 151.00
Christian Ruler NZ $ 201.00
Cold Major $ 201.00
Condagen $ 201.00
Freyberg NZ $ 201.00
Ace Light $ 301.00
Alchemy NZ $ 301.00
Alta Jerome NZ $ 301.00
Artoc NZ $ 301.00
Beau Dandy $ 301.00
Bettor Draw NZ $ 301.00
Chance NZ $ 301.00
Chevals Clivesdale $ 301.00
Come On Frank $ 301.00
Comply Or Die NZ $ 301.00
Composed $ 301.00
Crombie $ 301.00
Dalton Bromac NZ $ 301.00
Destreos NZ $ 301.00
Drunken Desire $ 301.00
Dundee Three NZ $ 301.00
Dynamite Dude $ 301.00
Emperor Montana NZ $ 301.00
Exciteusinthecity $ 301.00
Fernleigh Renegade NZ $ 301.00
Funny Boy NZ $ 301.00
Go West U Terror NZ $ 301.00
Gumdrops $ 301.00
Im A Peregrine $ 301.00
Ima Rocket Star NZ $ 301.00
It Is Billy $ 301.00
Jaccka Clive NZ $ 301.00
Jaydens Castle $ 301.00
Jazzabout $ 301.00
Lark Rise NZ $ 301.00
Latteron $ 301.00
Lets Elope NZ $ 301.00
Lewy Risk NZ $ 301.00
Lombo Toscannini $ 301.00
Lovable Larrikin $ 301.00
Mabrook NZ $ 301.00
Mach Banner NZ $ 301.00
Marty Monkhouser $ 301.00
Montana Falcon NZ $ 301.00
My Elusive Dream NZ $ 301.00
My General Lee $ 301.00
My Jellignite NZ $ 301.00
Only The Brave NZ $ 301.00
Our Blackbird NZ $ 301.00
Our Pacquiao NZ $ 301.00
Palais Du Louvre $ 301.00
Pas Ultimate Delight NZ $ 301.00
Pub Blitz $ 301.00
Rathmore Lady NZ $ 301.00
Rohan Home $ 301.00
Saucy Legend NZ $ 301.00
Savesomtimetodream $ 301.00
Shardons Rocket NZ $ 301.00
Shipwreck $ 301.00
Sign To Inverell $ 301.00
Smart Major NZ $ 301.00
Smudge Bromac NZ $ 301.00
Tact Hayleys Delight NZ $ 301.00
The Stingray $ 301.00
This Time Dylan NZ $ 301.00
Ultimate Art $ 301.00
Uncle Wingnut NZ $ 301.00
Wartime Sweetheart NZ $ 301.00
Western Rockstar $ 301.00
Wrongly Accused $ 301.00
Zenable NZ $ 301.00

[G-Mac]

This would be the first time in a while no runners from G Hall.

[aussiebreno]

This would be the first time in a while no runners from G Hall.
He wouldn't have had too many representatives between The Falcon Strike and Quinny would he?

[Richard prior]

TAB's keeping Billies a Star safe@$18 and there's a couple of smart horses wider out that are massive over's.

[MJD]

TAB's keeping Billies a Star safe@$18 and there's a couple of smart horses wider out that are massive over's.

Yeah Bettors Fire @ $51 is firing in WA. Devendra @ $61 may go to Hunter Cup for James Rattray. Last years runner up Seel N Print $61. Chilli Parmer on his best form is much better than $101 chance.

[The Escape Club]

I'm liking Courage To Rule @ $61. The trick for him will be to stay sound and qualify.

[Richard prior]

Border Control @ $41 seems pretty good value, Not sure how he's been travelling in NZ but there hasn't been a lot between himself and a couple that are well in the market when he's been here previously. Smart QLD mare Forever Gold seems to be overs at well @ $101 and Avonnova @ $26 not to bad either. Another Kiwi on the rise is a Dalton Bromac @ $301 and he is overs also.

[G-Mac]

He wouldn't have had too many representatives between The Falcon Strike and Quinny would he?

Not in the final but I'm pretty sure he's nominated one every year for the last ten years or thereabouts.

[Pena]

The ID noms have become a complete farce. Shane Tritton has 15 nominated and apart from SSL, MB, Easy on the Eye, Mark Dennis and possibly Arghal and possibly Aspiring Artist the rest should not even be allowed to nominate.
Of the ST noms 8 are 300-1 and 4 are 150-1 and are hardly up and coming horses and have been around with Shane for long enough to know they are just not good enough.
Makes a mockery of the free entry.

[teecee]

Another Kiwi on the rise is a Dalton Bromac @ $301 and he is overs also.[/QUOTE]


Shhhhhhhhh

[teecee]

[QUOTE=Richard prior;39009]Border Control @ $41 seems pretty good value, Not sure how he's been travelling in NZ but there hasn't been a lot between himself and a couple that are well in the market when he's been here previously.


Not sighted since May 2014

[Richard prior]

Another Kiwi on the rise is a Dalton Bromac @ $301 and he is overs also.


Shhhhhhhhh[/QUOTE]
Hahahahaha, I'll zip it Boss!!

[Danno]

Not big on bagging anyone Jack, but some of those appear to be a bit ambitious....but if anyone can get them there in this day and age...................................

[The Escape Club]

The ID noms have become a complete farce. Shane Tritton has 15 nominated and apart from SSL, MB, Easy on the Eye, Mark Dennis and possibly Arghal and possibly Aspiring Artist the rest should not even be allowed to nominate.
Of the ST noms 8 are 300-1 and 4 are 150-1 and are hardly up and coming horses and have been around with Shane for long enough to know they are just not good enough.
Makes a mockery of the free entry.


While I initially agreed when I read this, on reflection, I really should have been more on the ball. I would have liked our horse with Ian Wilson to have been nominated. The reason being, with the series moving to the west for the next 3 years, he more than likely won't have another opportunity.


It's not for another few months and a lot can happen in that time. When we first moved him to Sydney, he was reasonably competitive against the likes of Beautide and to a lesser degree Courage to Rule. A few months after racing against that pair a number of times, Beautide was winning Miracle Miles and just about everything else he was in, while Courage to Rule had gone amiss.


I'm in no way saying he will do a Beautide but there's a few more months to go to see if he can improve enough after having a long spell. He did chase home Courage to Rule last start and finished around 15m adrift in 1.51.1, that worked out to around 1.52.2 for my horse which is the quickest he's ever covered the mile at Menangle.


You always hope for the best for your horses and it would have done no harm to nominate him, he has beaten home quite a few of the horses nominated. He's actually running against a couple of nominees tomorrow night.


If he didn't progress any further then, no harm, no foul. Anyway, that's my fault and my brother's for not even considering it.

[Richard prior]

Yes Rob your bloke would have a fair few of the nominated horses covered, It's a pity you didn't nominate him with the Interdom going west next year and it's a case of, You'll never know if you don't have a go!!!

[brent_L]

Yeah Bettors Fire @ $51 is firing in WA. Devendra @ $61 may go to Hunter Cup for James Rattray. Last years runner up Seel N Print $61. Chilli Parmer on his best form is much better than $101 chance.
I'd be more than content with $50 e/w Seel N Print & Chilli at the prices u have quoted Matt.

[Smoken]

David Hercules just to good for them last night. I have a lot of time for this horse, & I hope he makes it in the ID final.

[Toohard]

The ID noms have become a complete farce. Shane Tritton has 15 nominated and apart from SSL, MB, Easy on the Eye, Mark Dennis and possibly Arghal and possibly Aspiring Artist the rest should not even be allowed to nominate.
Of the ST noms 8 are 300-1 and 4 are 150-1 and are hardly up and coming horses and have been around with Shane for long enough to know they are just not good enough.
Makes a mockery of the free entry.


After the goings on at Ballarat last night am glad we nominated!

[Race For Fun]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/new-zealand-interdominion-heat-in-doubt-20141213-126i2x.html

[brent_L]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/new-zealand-interdominion-heat-in-doubt-20141213-126i2x.html
I am definitely intrigued as to why the NZ cup champ would choose to target a 200k race over the 750k inter final?

[teecee]

http://www.allstarsracingstables.com/the-racing-team/


I appreciate that your intrigue is probably not satisfied by this.

[Richard prior]

http://www.allstarsracingstables.com/the-racing-team/


I appreciate that your intrigue is probably not satisfied by this.

Good work, I see Didjamakem Bolt is coming along well, He's an excitement machine. Interesting about Adore Me, I wouldn't totally discount the Interdom, If it was a one off race they would probably have a crack but being a series, That might be a little tough on her.

[brent_L]

http://www.allstarsracingstables.com/the-racing-team/


I appreciate that your intrigue is probably not satisfied by this.
No doubt she would be $1.30 pre-draw fav in the mile race but as we have seen so many times, a bad draw over the mile can be extremely hard to overcome. I reckon this years field will also be stronger than last years edition.
120k for 1st in ladyship, 425k 1st for inter......50k 3rd, considering what she has already banked, I know which way I'd lean.
It's only going to be a decision problem for one more year and then she can target both.

[MJD]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/new-zealand-interdominion-heat-in-doubt-20141213-126i2x.html

Good that they will cancel a heath that is not up to standard number of runners to avoid a NZ heat with just 3 runners which was ridiculous last year

[MJD]

http://www.allstarsracingstables.com/the-racing-team/


I appreciate that your intrigue is probably not satisfied by this.

They are even unsure in regards to the Vic & Hunter Cups. I would certainly run her in those. They will be tough races of course with Beautide (not sure if Beautide will be in Hunter Cup), Christen Me, Terror To Love, Guaranteed, Philadelphia Man. They have said that Adore Me likes the staying trips better than the mile so why not run her in Vic Cup, Hunter Cup & InterDom all over 2240 to 3200m, rather than Ladyship Mile.

[Mister JayKO]

They are even unsure in regards to the Vic & Hunter Cups. I would certainly run her in those. They will be tough races of course with Beautide (not sure if Beautide will be in Hunter Cup), Christen Me, Terror To Love, Guaranteed, Philadelphia Man. They have said that Adore Me likes the staying trips better than the mile so why not run her in Vic Cup, Hunter Cup & InterDom all over 2240 to 3200m, rather than Ladyship Mile.

Little Fish are sweet - she would be odds on in any mares race based upon what she's been doing in NZ.

[Messenger]

Little Fish are sweet - she would be odds on in any mares race based upon what she's been doing in NZ.

I have to agree with Stu here Brent - as close as you can get to guaranteed $120k or just one of several chances for $450k and as you pointed out yourself, there will not be a clash next year

[Race For Fun]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/new-zealand-inter-dominion-heat-unlikely-20150125-12xqxc.html

[Messenger]

So the SMH really does have Harness only stories. Someone ring The Age

[Messenger]

I know the OP is an old one but this seemed the right thread to use
The Butterworth's are boycotting the Inter

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Hunter-winners-boycott-Inter

[Smoken]

At least no one can say there ain't no drama in Harness racing..

[HaroldParker]

I can't wait for ID15 in Perth. Although I live in Sydney, I made a couple of trips over to Perth in 2012 for the 3 nights of heats and then again for the final and it was brilliant.

I'm fortunate from a harness racing enthusiast perspective as I live in the States for a few months at a time for at least a couple of times a year and I've experienced the majority of major carnivals over there, Hambo, Pace, Jug and everything at Yonkers, I'm only 10 minutes away.

The 2012 ID final night was the best night of racing I've ever experienced. Incredible atmosphere and Perth embraced it. Harness Racing is definitely #1 over there. I was at Gloucester Park a few weeks ago, a week after the Cup. On a standard race night they had a crowd that Menangle would be thrilled with on a feature race day where it's free entry, $12 @ Gloucester Park. Young and Old and a lot of families.

I'm disappointed that they're moving the ID final to a Sunday afternoon. I'll be there for the 3 rounds of heats (I hope they're all @ GP) but I won't fly back this time for the final. Harness Racing is at it's very best under lights, it just isn't the same during the day. I think that's a mistake they'll rectify for ID16 and beyond.

[HaroldParker]

Looks like the second round of heats will be at Pinjarra. I'll be staying in East Perth, Pinjarra is over an hour away. I'm not too keen on that.

[brent_L]

it will be great to get back to the traditional format.....can't wait. I understand your enthusiasm for the atmosphere/spectacle at GP Bob (would love to experience it for myself soon) but the racing at Pinjarra will be out of this world. I reckon if it's not the best track in Oz its in the top 3.

[Richard prior]

Looks like the second round of heats will be at Pinjarra. I'll be staying in East Perth, Pinjarra is over an hour away. I'm not too keen on that.

Come on Bob, An hour is nothing compared to driving from 1 side of Sydney to the other, It would be worthwhile and I couldn't imagine the traffic would be half as bad as Sydney's.

[G-Mac]

East Perth to Pinjarra is a very easy drive Bob. 3/4 of it you're on Kwinana Freeway traveling at 100kph.
At any rate, Radley and co at GP are good operators. I would be very surprised if there weren't a few buses going from GP to Pinny on the day.

[HaroldParker]

East Perth to Pinjarra is a very easy drive Bob. 3/4 of it you're on Kwinana Freeway traveling at 100kph.
At any rate, Radley and co at GP are good operators. I would be very surprised if there weren't a few buses going from GP to Pinny on the day.

Yeah I suspect they will mate. I'd prefer to stagger across the road than sit on a bus : ) I'll find somewhere for the night.

I've been to Pinjarra a couple of times but not since they stuck a cheats lane in.

It's definitely a much fairer 1000m track than say Albion Park which is dynamite leader / cheats lane biased. My issue with Pinjarra, is not a great deal happens in the middle stages of races there.

Perhaps they'll run the Mile heats there. They run just under 1700m from memory ? A 1.50 or thereabouts is a possibility.

[HaroldParker]

Come on Bob, An hour is nothing compared to driving from 1 side of Sydney to the other, It would be worthwhile and I couldn't imagine the traffic would be half as bad as Sydney's.

Yup Glebe to Menangle on a Saturday afternoon is the equivelent of East Perth to the Margaret River. East Perth to Pinjarra = Glebe to Bondi : )

[Chariots]

Harold I believe that the final was moved to a Sunday afternoon to enable participation by the other states and NZ to make it a true inter dominion. Having it on a Friday night at 9:00pm would be optimum for WA but would be 12:00am in ES and 2:00am in NZ hardly conducive to their participation.

[brent_L]

^
Spot on.

[Messenger]

Yeah I suspect they will mate. I'd prefer to stagger across the road than sit on a bus : ) I'll find somewhere for the night.

I've been to Pinjarra a couple of times but not since they stuck a cheats lane in.

It's definitely a much fairer 1000m track than say Albion Park which is dynamite leader / cheats lane biased. My issue with Pinjarra, is not a great deal happens in the middle stages of races there.

Perhaps they'll run the Mile heats there. They run just under 1700m from memory ? A 1.50 or thereabouts is a possibility.
Middle action is what makes a race interesting in my book too Bob - hence my dislike for mile racing
We must suffer from attention deficit syndrome LOL. I guess we expect a lot as nothing much ever happens in the middle of gallops or doggy races

[HaroldParker]

Harold I believe that the final was moved to a Sunday afternoon to enable participation by the other states and NZ to make it a true inter dominion. Having it on a Friday night at 9:00pm would be optimum for WA but would be 12:00am in ES and 2:00am in NZ hardly conducive to their participation.

No true harness racing enthusiast (who can't make it to WA) will miss the ID because they turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight.

WA should schedule an ID carnival for WA. It's by far #1 for Harness Racing in Australasia, the industry is thriving over there and I've no idea why'd they give a toss about the Eastern States or NZ. The best race I've seen in a long time was the recent Pacing Cup, worth 400K, not one entrant from outside WA.

As for the lure of the race going live to free to air TV on a Sunday afternoon, how's that worked for Menangle and at what cost ? The last 3 meetings I've been to there, free entry, if there was a 1000 people in attendance, whoever counted them has double / triple vision : )

[Chariots]

No true harness racing enthusiast (who can't make it to WA) will miss the ID because they turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight.

WA should schedule an ID carnival for WA. It's by far #1 for Harness Racing in Australasia, the industry is thriving over there and I've no idea why'd they give a toss about the Eastern States or NZ. The best race I've seen in a long time was the recent Pacing Cup, worth 400K, not one entrant from outside WA.

As for the lure of the race going live to free to air TV on a Sunday afternoon, how's that worked for Menangle and at what cost ? The last 3 meetings I've been to there, free entry, if there was a 1000 people in attendance, whoever counted then has double / triple vision : )

That is just the point Harold we should not be catering for a diminishing number of just true harness racing fans.

If we keep going down that path we will quickly die.

It would have been easy for WA to ignore the rest of Australia and NZ but they have adopted a more cooperative approach that does not always exist within our industry.

[brent_L]

Avonnova got a great draw for his heat where only the winner progresses
Gauranteed also drew the ace but will surely be tested to the first corner by the 2 WSweetheart & 3 Lenny
David Hercules job made very tough with a back row draw in the perth heat

[Maorisidol]

Avonnova got a great draw for his heat where only the winner progresses
Gauranteed also drew the ace but will surely be tested to the first corner by the 2 WSweetheart & 3 Lenny
David Hercules job made very tough with a back row draw in the perth heat

GUARANTEED Scratched-he's out!

[the_racing_wiz]

Avonnova got a great draw for his heat where only the winner progresses
Gauranteed also drew the ace but will surely be tested to the first corner by the 2 WSweetheart & 3 Lenny
David Hercules job made very tough with a back row draw in the perth heat

Not much competition for David Hercules. Id be mainly concerned about the hard racing here then the return trip to Vic rather than the draw.

[Mighty Atom]

No true harness racing enthusiast (who can't make it to WA) will miss the ID because they turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight.

WA should schedule an ID carnival for WA. It's by far #1 for Harness Racing in Australasia, the industry is thriving over there and I've no idea why'd they give a toss about the Eastern States or NZ. The best race I've seen in a long time was the recent Pacing Cup, worth 400K, not one entrant from outside WA.

As for the lure of the race going live to free to air TV on a Sunday afternoon, how's that worked for Menangle and at what cost ? The last 3 meetings I've been to there, free entry, if there was a 1000 people in attendance, whoever counted them has double / triple vision : )

Hi Bob,
If Harness Racing WA doesn't start employing you as their public relations man they're doing themselves an injustice.
Poor field from WA no G Hall snr starters obviously concentrating on Perth I.D. If any horse apart from David Hercules or perhaps Bettors Fire win the race you would be scratching from the final.

[Big K]

Pretty sure that the mile heats of the Perth Inter Dom will be run at Bunbury.There's some backflipping going on over here regarding lights being put in at Pinjarra which was believed to be in the initial proposal but apparently it wasn't.Country Clubs have argued to have it run at Pinjarra during the late afternoon but Bunbury appears to be the Hierarchy's choice.

[nowuseeme]

yes we will be holding the second round over the mile here in bunbury,very pleased to be given the chance

[arlington]

All the best to the Club Michael.

[p plater]

Christen Me.....scratched

[aussiebreno]

I respect your opinion & I agree Lenny is yet to deserve his name alongside the other 2 u mention Breno, but I feel u are (& have not....Vic cup comment in relation to Restrepo) not giving the horse his due credit. Not only, as u pointed out, have the others fallen off their perch so to speak (+ the one who hasn't, CM, is suspect over a journey), but Lennys own cv speaks for itself. His two runs back have been super (albeit leaders back x 2) behind horses at the top of their game at the time, he is clearly leading his head 2 head battle with the horse most people believe to be the best in Vic in Gauranteed, he's a Derby winner (from a wide draw if I remember correctly) against a very very good bunch in Syd etc, etc. He did do what I expected him to do behind the leader in the Vic cup, but what made it a very good performance imo was the fact that the horse trailing him, DH, was left lamenting. It won't suprise me to see his price shorten even more after the heats tonight.

I'm loving the driving of Anthony Butt right now and if Chilli doesn't run for him then I'll be buggered. He was extremely disadvantaged though when the 1 came out. Still, $2.70 the drum at the moment looks value especially if there is a little pressure from horses 4 & 5 trying to help their fast finishing stablemates out.
Christen Me now out. If Beautide puts in a run on par with Vic Cup as opposed to his usual form Lenny could well be $2 fave for the Inter. There probably isn't much potential for anything to shorten too much, but there is potential for Beau to drift.

And yes...the Restrepo comment was over the top!

[brent_L]

After reading Baileys post re CM scratching I was going to post nearly exact same mate......you'll be able to lay Lenny @ $2.50 for the final!

Here's hoping Beau brains them tonight though.

[Richard prior]

Tough campaigns are knocking the big guns around, Food for thought in the future, Run the big races 2 to 3 weeks apart, No doubt under the current format, It's really knocking some of our very best around.

[p plater]

Tough campaigns are knocking the big guns around, Food for thought in the future, Run the big races 2 to 3 weeks apart, No doubt under the current format, It's really knocking some of our very best around.
Exactly and add travel to the mix.

[Richard prior]

David Hercules will struggle if he makes it through and the owners decide to send him across again, Not sure if he was flown across and back last time, The owners would have plenty of cash for this but I can't imagine the poor bugger coming over by float at this time of the year when it's very hot and performing at his very best.

[hugdon]

DH is a tough horse Rich and probably the best we have racing here, however I agree with your point re travel might take the edge off him

[Chariots]

I am sure WA hope that their decision to run their traditional series in November/December means that they can avoid the war of attrition that is killing the Sydney Inters.

[Maorisidol]

After reading Baileys post re CM scratching I was going to post nearly exact same mate......you'll be able to lay Lenny @ $2.50 for the final!

Here's hoping Beau brains them tonight though.

You guys ok with Lenny and 3000m in ID Final?
On the day Beau and TTL are proven there...

[p plater]

Is anyone just a bit worried about Beau.....prior to last start his trainer declared he was spot on, even allowing for his lack of racing. Tonight might give us a better insight but I'm a bit worried about him getting a strong 3000m in 2 weeks, not enough miles in the legs.

[brent_L]

You guys ok with Lenny and 3000m in ID Final?
On the day Beau and TTL are proven there...
Not confident whatsoever re the 3km but as we stand right NOW there just has to be more confidence about Lenny than the other 2. I believe there is a chance, remote as it might be, that with their form/setbacks TTL & Beau might not make the final whereas the same cannot be said for Lenny. I have no idea of his reasons for not coming but who'd have ever thought we wouldn't see Ricky driving TTL??
That said, there's also every possibility that the defending champ gets back to his best tonight which very well may see his starting price tonight higher than that of the final.
Only 4 hours to go!

[Messenger]

Not confident whatsoever re the 3km but as we stand right NOW there just has to be more confidence about Lenny than the other 2. I believe there is a chance, remote as it might be, that with their form/setbacks TTL & Beau might not make the final whereas the same cannot be said for Lenny. I have no idea of his reasons for not coming but who'd have ever thought we wouldn't see Ricky driving TTL??
That said, there's also every possibility that the defending champ gets back to his best tonight which very well may see his starting price tonight higher than that of the final.
Only 4 hours to go!

Exactly

[Maorisidol]

Not confident whatsoever re the 3km but as we stand right NOW there just has to be more confidence about Lenny than the other 2. I believe there is a chance, remote as it might be, that with their form/setbacks TTL & Beau might not make the final whereas the same cannot be said for Lenny. I have no idea of his reasons for not coming but who'd have ever thought we wouldn't see Ricky driving TTL??
That said, there's also every possibility that the defending champ gets back to his best tonight which very well may see his starting price tonight higher than that of the final.
Only 4 hours to go!

I reckon there's a great chance we will see an improved Terror tonite.
New driver who knows the track better, small field, lots of space to move, his Vic Cup run was good, tough in Hunter and most didn't do what expected there so he wasn't on his Pat Malone there!
And I think/hope same goes for Beau, back to fav track, time to just do it.
Lenny tonite looks like getting his 3rd soft run and if draws average in Final over 3k may just fizzle.

[Messenger]

Lenny may fizzle in the Final but it will not be from what you are calling soft runs Ash, it will be from not being as hardened at Grand Circuit level as he is only half way into his 5yo season. There would be plenty that would like to have had his prep. The draw is important to all of them

[brent_L]

I reckon there's a great chance we will see an improved Terror tonite.
New driver who knows the track better, small field, lots of space to move, his Vic Cup run was good, tough in Hunter and most didn't do what expected there so he wasn't on his Pat Malone there!
And I think/hope same goes for Beau, back to fav track, time to just do it.
Lenny tonite looks like getting his 3rd soft run and if draws average in Final over 3k may just fizzle.
I am also hoping the big guns perform. Ash, I know your a betting man......would u cop the 10/9 that's on offer about TTL?? imo he's a 5/2 shot.

[Messenger]

I would not call it team driving but Avonnova was beaten by a pair of stable-mates

[Messenger]

Gotta love David Hercules
How good Beautide - what was the explanation for that last start
TTL wastes his time coming to Australia

[p plater]

Is anyone just a bit worried about Beau.....prior to last start his trainer declared he was spot on, even allowing for his lack of racing. Tonight might give us a better insight but I'm a bit worried about him getting a strong 3000m in 2 weeks, not enough miles in the legs.

I was wrong......great effort

[Richard prior]

Mr Thompson, Please book David Hercules for the flight across, He was terrific tonight and his spot in the Interdom final is well deserved.

[Richard prior]

DH is a tough horse Rich and probably the best we have racing here, however I agree with your point re travel might take the edge off him
Plenty of cash in the bank Hug and flying him over is a must, Far to valuable to risk a few days and nights in a float.

[hugdon]

Proved again how tough he is Rich PW no easy beat (most times) He powered around the 2500, he wont be there to make up the numbers however Beau was mighty impressive

[arlington]

No surprises with the 2nd Wildcard, Blazin N Cullen over Franco Ledger?

[littlelenny]

Disappointed not to see Franco Ledger get in I thought the long Menangle straight would of suited him perfectly and with the right run I believe he would of had a good chance to be right in the finish and maybe even cause a boil over. Beautide will be awfully hard to beat he was super last night.

[brent_L]

No surprises with the 2nd Wildcard, Blazin N Cullen over Franco Ledger?
Massive surprise here, did the selectors not take into account form from previous starts i.e slashing 2nd in Hunter Cup?? It just seems with the decisions that have been made over the past few weeks that the locals get all the favours.....this week it's NSW's turn.
Fortunately that decision won't have an effect on the outcome anyhow imo. Beau could start in the back straight and he'd still get the choccies. I'll be taking advantage of zero queues to grab a pie & beer whilst the final is taking place. Race over!!

[doinmabest]

Brent, he was stunning last night.... One start in 11 weeks, chequered prep... I realise had SSL got away with them it may of been an interesting affair but BT sectionals were awesome, stared down by FAR at the top of the straight yet two taps on the rump and he dropped into cruise control.... If he is near to his peak and I think I heard JR say he had improvement in him, agree, queue up.....

[brent_L]

agree. I love Lenny but ones gotta think you'll have a couple of hundred metres at the end of the race Fred to heap on the superlatives.

[Smoken]

Good to see Majestic Mach win his heat. LTS/Beautide/Herc all very good runs. The barrier will play a big part in the final, and I'll be suprised once again if Beautide starts around the $2.00 mark. It seemed as though Lenny had another gear up his sleeve, and C Alford thought similarly, and he should be primed! Will be an interesting race for sure!

P.S how they chose BNC over Fl, I have no idea!

[Messenger]

Massive surprise here, did the selectors not take into account form from previous starts i.e slashing 2nd in Hunter Cup?? It just seems with the decisions that have been made over the past few weeks that the locals get all the favours.....this week it's NSW's turn.
Fortunately that decision won't have an effect on the outcome anyhow imo. Beau could start in the back straight and he'd still get the choccies. I'll be taking advantage of zero queues to grab a pie & beer whilst the final is taking place. Race over!!

I think they really treated last nights races as true heats and the fact that Franco did not get 4th cost him.
Time for you to give those pies a rest Brent :)

[Messenger]

You have to feel for John Justice, I am still not sure why they took Lenny away from him

[arlington]

You have to feel for John Justice, I am still not sure why they took Lenny away from him


http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?5870-Lennytheshark/page2

[Messenger]

http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?5870-Lennytheshark/page2

I remember that Wayne but my question still stands
Edit: But as you suggest - pretty much logistics

[Messenger]

I wonder whether if Franco Ledger had been in the Supplementary heat, which some thought he should have been, whether he may have made the main field?

[Smoken]

I'm going to be sent to the naughty corner but so be it. I tried to let it go and was relying on somebody else bringing it up but that hasn't happened. I'm 'POSITIVE' that after breaking out of the gate and losing 6 lengths, one shouldn't then be pressuring the leader (after also making a pretty quick run around the field) into a 56.7 sec first half effectively leaving your charge totally spent at the 700m mark. POSITIVE!

Agreed.

[p plater]

No naughty room for telling it as it is

[Viv Strangman]

I wonder whether if Franco Ledger had been in the Supplementary heat, which some thought he should have been, whether he may have made the main field?

Having been nominated from New Zealand, Franco Ledger should have been in the supplementary heat at Menangle. The fact that he was allowed to start in the Victorian heat did draw the attention of the Butterworth camp and lawyers were briefed evidently.
If Franco Ledger had made the first three on Saturday night all hell would have broken loose post race.
Under those circumstances when he didn't run in three, Franco Ledger was zero chance of getting a wildcard. I feel a bit sorry for the horse and his connections as the mistake about where he should start was made by the authorities not the connections

[arlington]

Having been nominated from New Zealand, Franco Ledger should have been in the supplementary heat at Menangle. The fact that he was allowed to start in the Victorian heat did draw the attention of the Butterworth camp and lawyers were briefed evidently.
If Franco Ledger had made the first three on Saturday night all hell would have broken loose post race.
Under those circumstances when he didn't run in three, Franco Ledger was zero chance of getting a wildcard. I feel a bit sorry for the horse and his connections as the mistake about where he should start was made by the authorities not the connections


A big Oh

[Messenger]

Having been nominated from New Zealand, Franco Ledger should have been in the supplementary heat at Menangle. The fact that he was allowed to start in the Victorian heat did draw the attention of the Butterworth camp and lawyers were briefed evidently.
If Franco Ledger had made the first three on Saturday night all hell would have broken loose post race.
Under those circumstances when he didn't run in three, Franco Ledger was zero chance of getting a wildcard. I feel a bit sorry for the horse and his connections as the mistake about where he should start was made by the authorities not the connections

Thanks for info Viv, I know some people were thinking that some get favorable treatment

[Race For Fun]

IMHO the sooner the Interdominion reverts to it's normal format the better.

Does anyone honestly think that the way the Interdominion has been run the last three years has been an improvement?

[Messenger]

NO

[HISGEN65]

IMHO nothing beats the carnival feel of a 2 week "series" in the one location & I think that format has alot more positive benefits & pluses for the sport in general.

[p plater]

For years mates and I would travel to Interdom carnival.......great times.....not the current Interdom FFA. With great respect for what Beau has done to qualify with an outstanding run last Saturday, with his lack of racing would young JR back him up for 3 heat qualifiers in a week. I don't think so.

[Richard prior]

NO

+1

[Richard prior]

IMHO nothing beats the carnival feel of a 2 week "series" in the one location & I think that format has alot more positive benefits & pluses for the sport in general.

+1

[Danno]

IMHO the sooner the Interdominion reverts to it's normal format the better.

Does anyone honestly think that the way the Interdominion has been run the last three years has been an improvement?

I am yet to meet anyone bar NSWHRC people that reckons it is the go Toni, not one solitary person out of MANY people I know through this silly game we play.

I'd love to see a fair dinkum survey done on it.....

[arlington]

Barrier draw
http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=25807

[HaroldParker]

So Beautide leads Lenny and For A Reason rails through to finish 3rd (or 2nd). Do they need to run it ? : )

3 of the quicker horses off the arm drew 12, 13 and 14, so it's not a quick front line by any stretch and the 1 can be tricky and Lenny is no Bettor Bet Black off the arm.

If they haven't done a u-turn after hearing the draw, I think David Hercules is a live chance to cross ... and then probably handing up to Beautide.

On paper it's the above scenario or there's the a risk this race turns into Day 5 of a Test Match after both teams have scored 600+ in the first innings.

There's no way Lenny parks Beautide if he holds up. Alford won't be able to throw the anchor out quick enough.

[Smoken]

Beautide won't have s better opportunity to win this. TTL shocking draw, Nova same, Lenny the Ace. Doesn't seem to be the strongest of Inters, & the draw has put a big dent in any, if any chances.
Go Lenny & Herc & Nova & good luck to everyone!

[aussiebreno]

Lenny gets a nice initiation to the Grand Circuit. Draws 1 Vic Cup, draws 1 in a depleted Inter!

Last race Otaki yesterday won by Beau Agen. Think we see the same result here. Trifecta payout 5-1-11 would be pretty short one would think. 5-11-1 nearly as short and Lenny fans would even go 1-5-11 for a small dividend.

[brent_L]

So Beautide leads Lenny and For A Reason rails through to finish 3rd (or 2nd).
Precisely. It will probably be the least exciting race on the program but sometimes that's just how the cookie crumbles. I was thinking that there might have been some real value to be had betting the place, but watching the draw last night ended that theory. I'll be having my first ever first four bet now.

[niloc]

as we all know there are no certainties in racing,menangle, in my view has still not settled into a surface you can totally trust.this is not a criticism of the staff or anyone.when this track is subjected to a decent amount rain it still favours swoopers.this weather at the minute is about as predictable as Manaroa at the start of his races!!So beware.

[Messenger]

as we all know there are no certainties in racing,menangle, in my view has still not settled into a surface you can totally trust.this is not a criticism of the staff or anyone.when this track is subjected to a decent amount rain it still favours swoopers.this weather at the minute is about as predictable as Manaroa at the start of his races!!So beware.

"Neigh I resent that Neigh"

[aussiebreno]

Just a thought.

Last two Inters home in around 27. Where pressure coming from this year? Home in 27 again.

Running line sticks on for a while if just sprint home. Doesn't give FAR much chance make a run at them.

TTL at his best should but he just doesn't deliver here. Avonnova fill the third spot? I'm willing to find out at those odds.

[Messenger]

TC I don't think threads like 'Menangle Preview' belong in the Selections forum.
For openers they are not always about selections.
On that basis you would almost have to put this thread in Selections
The main problem is that anything that is not on the Australian Racing forum is neglected

[brent_L]

The main problem is that anything that is not on the Australian Racing forum is neglected
+1

[Mister JayKO]

Is the Inter Dominion Final on this weekend? Because unless you follow the game closely you would have absolutely no idea.

[Smoken]

Is the Inter Dominion Final on this weekend? Because unless you follow the game closely you would have absolutely no idea.
+1

[Messenger]

Is the Inter Dominion Final on this weekend? Because unless you follow the game closely you would have absolutely no idea.

You're not wrong Stu. In terms of industry promotion, on sites close-followers frequent, we are seeing stories about the various races. That we lump so many big races on the same card and the fact that the Inter is not expected to be an exciting race probably explains why us followers are not seeing much on just the final either. However the fact that we do lump so many big races together should make it a promoters dream for the wider public. I am guilty of subscribing to The Age so I never expect to see anything

[Messenger]

I reckon The Chariots might be the race of the day
7 starters under 20/1
http://www.harness.org.au/index.cfm?p=f&id=/

If Alleluia gets a start I will have to have something on him as the missus reckons I was calling this out in my sleep the other night!
I know there should be a punchline to that story ;)

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Chariots-Of-Fire-to-hard-to-call

Unfortunate typo in their title

[brent_L]

I am definitely intrigued as to why the NZ cup champ would choose to target a 200k race over the 750k inter final?
After that performance, my intrigue has turned to total bewilderment.

[Smoken]

Well done to Beautide & James! Far too good for this mob. Fantastic run by FF! Very average run by Lenny.. TTL is Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde in Australia..

[Race For Fun]

Bettors Delight sire of Beautide, Flaming Flutter and Adore Me.

[Messenger]

Well done to Beautide & James! Far too good for this mob. Fantastic run by FF! Very average run by Lenny.. TTL is Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde in Australia..

I am not saying it is a gimme by any stretch of the imagination but Lenny is still at least a year away. I know Adore Me is only 5 too but Lenny is not fully conditioned yet

[Smoken]

I am a big fan of Lenny, so I hope you're right Kev. Just wasn't his day today.

[Messenger]

What was the point of Morgan Woodley going up 3 wide if he was not going to have a crack? Unless he was on the greatest pacer ever known he may as well have gone out the gate as go back for he had effectively pulled the pin without firing a shot

[Smoken]

Poor Herc. Agree with you Kev. What was the point of that? Herc needs a good long rest, with all
The travelling and racing he has done in the last 5 weeks or so!

[Danno]

I thought the drive of the final was Greg Sugars on Flaming Flutter, gee he put that horse to sleep for a LONGGG time, forget about masterful driving by Tim Tetric to find the "bottom" of horses a la Old mate Harold......really sweet piece of work by G.Sugars and typically, in a distance race, hands were the differerence.

[Maorisidol]

I am not saying it is a gimme by any stretch of the imagination but Lenny is still at least a year away. I know Adore Me is only 5 too but Lenny is not fully conditioned yet

Lenny not conditioned yet as he is only 5?
Flaming Flutter is 5...he was pretty well conditioned! as i expected the 3km was too much for Lenny.
Beau, amazing!
What was Morgan Woodley thinking going up to challenge Jimmy Rattray for the death? Didnt he see last years ID Final? Did he forget he wasnt at Gloucester Park and think he would just walk into the spot outside the leader or who knows maybe he thought he'd get to the lead? No chance either way, like i said somewhere else, he should've stayed at home...

[Smoken]

Herc would have more of a chance being competitive back at Gloucester Park. I reckon Beautide won't go as well over there. Thoughts?

[Messenger]

Lenny not conditioned yet as he is only 5?
Flaming Flutter is 5...he was pretty well conditioned! as i expected the 3km was too much for Lenny.
Beau, amazing!
What was Morgan Woodley thinking going up to challenge Jimmy Rattray for the death? Didnt he see last years ID Final? Did he forget he wasnt at Gloucester Park and think he would just walk into the spot outside the leader or who knows maybe he thought he'd get to the lead? No chance either way, like i said somewhere else, he should've stayed at home...

There is more to it than just age Ash - I brought up Adore Me as a better example than your FF in my original post so you really are missing the point but if you want to go with FF you might notice he has had the equivalent of a whole seasons more racing than Lenny (14 starts) but they are all individuals that develop at different rates

Rattray said in post race interview that if Herc had persisted then he would have taken on TTL so maybe he could have got the death

[HaroldParker]

Herc would have more of a chance being competitive back at Gloucester Park. I reckon Beautide won't go as well over there. Thoughts?

His biggest problem was that he didn't run the gate. He left it half arsed. If he runs the gate, at the very least, he settles OTL. Big effort to finish 10th, which sounds ridiculous, but he was entitled to finish a clear last.

The winner was amazing but one has question the depth. It wasn't a stellar ID final.

[teecee]

After that performance, my intrigue has turned to total bewilderment.


This may clarify it a little...

http://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/2865-purdon-happy-to-be-in-stands

[Messenger]

plus to get prizemoney better than her Ladyship $120k she had to win the Inter.
It was pretty much a bird in the hand story

[aussiebreno]

How long until they ask Cockburn to drive Avonnova again?

[Smoken]

Looking at the replay a few times over, geez that was a boring race!! As a few others mentioned, a few or more moves would have at least made it a little more entertaining.

[brent_L]

How long until they ask Cockburn to drive Avonnova again?
Trainers instructions were to take a sit.

[aussiebreno]

Trainers instructions were to take a sit.
How long until the trainer sacks himself from giving instructions :p :)

[brent_L]

How long until the trainer sacks himself from giving instructions :p :)
Yeah, I don't think we'll see him driven that way again anytime soon.

[Messenger]

From Stewards Report:

LENNYTHE SHARK was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who reported the horse to be exhibiting a poor recovery and signs consistent with the onset of a virus.

[Smoken]

Hope Lenny recovers!! It was weird that he just done nothing with the run that he had!

[brent_L]

were there any reports (whispers) of anyone not doing so well in the retention barn similar to that of C Blaster last year??

[Richard prior]

Must be tough going in the retention barn, Especially for Stallions.

[Richard prior]

Herc would have more of a chance being competitive back at Gloucester Park. I reckon Beautide won't go as well over there. Thoughts?
IMHO A Champion must travel around and meet all comers at all venues, I really hope that he goes over to WA, The size of the track shouldn't really be a concern as he was brought up in Tasmania.

[The Escape Club]

were there any reports (whispers) of anyone not doing so well in the retention barn similar to that of C Blaster last year??


Yeah, I remember being there last year and the word was that they seriously considered scratching him because he just couldn't handle being in the retention barn.

[HaroldParker]

Terror To Love is going around again in the Auckland Cup. It's got to the point now that they're damaging the horses legacy a shade. I'm not saying he's dead but they're flogging him.

[aussiebreno]

Terror To Love is going around again in the Auckland Cup. It's got to the point now that they're damaging the horses legacy a shade. I'm not saying he's dead but they're flogging him.
He only 7yo. Sat outside the Miracle Mile winner in near track record time just 3 months ago. Think he be right.

[teecee]

He only 7yo. Sat outside the Miracle Mile winner in near track record time just 3 months ago. Think he be right.



http://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/2878-terror-s-career-up-in-the-air

[Smoken]

Ouch! Hope TTL is all fit and well for the Auckland cup! He is a different horse in NZ, he's a beast!

[aussiebreno]

http://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/2878-terror-s-career-up-in-the-air
That's not form wise though. If they continued and he was injury free there would be no damage to his legacy imo. He is still capable of beating the best.

[Toohard]

Another highlight of the day (told wasn't on the channel 9 coverage) was the performance of the NZ and Australian national anthems by Ross La Spina (Big Max on forum).

Thats how you sing a national anthem. Huge Bravos to you Ross!!

[Pena]

I really love terror to Love but the facts don't lie.

NZ 60 Starts - 30 wins 18 places
Aust 14 Starts - 1 win 4 places.

He just does not perform as well away from home and even if he races on I doubt he will ever come back.

[Smoken]

TTL scratched from the Auckland cup. Shame!

[Big Max]

Cheers Paul,mate if my performance was half as good as Adore Me and Beautide i'll be wrapped!!! i've still got goosebumps from those 2 freaks,and a big thank you to Our Sky Major for putting some extra dosh in mine and dad's pocket!!!

[Danno]

Another highlight of the day (told wasn't on the channel 9 coverage) was the performance of the NZ and Australian national anthems by Ross La Spina (Big Max on forum).

Thats how you sing a national anthem. Huge Bravos to you Ross!!

Geez, the missus and I were in awe of the National Anthem performances, and I'm a dead set goose because I didn't join the dots....... Bravo Ross la Spina AKA Big Max, we were only about 15 metres away when you did outstanding versions of both anthems...man that is one beautiful and rugged voice...bravo!