Perth Interdominion 2015

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Grand-Final-to-be-on-Free-to-air-TV

At a function signifying 200 days until the Grand Final on Sunday 13 December attended by the Minister for Racing and Gaming, the Hon Colin Holt MLC, the major announcement was that Channel Seven will broadcast the Inter Dominion Grand Final at Gloucester Park.

.................................

It was also announced that Bunbury will host the second heat of the series, the first for a provincial club in Western Australia. In another first for an Inter Dominion in WA, the Grand Final will be run on a Sunday.
Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt said the new timeslot would allow the final to be beamed live into the eastern states and New Zealand during prime time, creating further television exposure for the event and Perth.

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Grand-Final-to-be-on-Free-to-air-TV

[Messenger]

It is fast approaching folks
Heats: November 27, December 1 and December 4
Final: December 13

and Irish star Meadowbranch DJ is already on his way

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Fwd--MEADOWBRANCH-DJ-SETS-OFF-TO-SYDNEY-WITH-INTER-DOMINION-INTENT

I am worried what he will make of the WA heat
According to ClassicFamilies he has won £15,470 so this would appear to be a step up in class

http://classicfamilies.net/HorseDetails.aspx?HorseID=10141836

[Messenger]

So that it is somewhere easy for us to find in future I will put this link to the first ranking of the 106 prospectives here

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Perth-Inter-Dominion-First-Rankings

[Messenger]

For anybody who missed this link last month I provide it for this thread as Meadowbranch DJ may be a little better than I suggested and than what is listed in ClassicFamilies (thanks Rich for bringing it to my attention)

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/FW--Inter-Dominion-final-photos

[Messenger]

A quick count and I think it is 71 NZ bred, 34 AU bred and 1 Irishman walked into a pub .....

You would think this was being held in NZ ;)

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Perth-Inter-Dominion-First-Rankings

[Messenger]

The Irish horse is here

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Irish-star-lands-in-Sydney-for-Inter-Dominion

The story is a little confusing as it says he arrived today and that he suffered a bout of travel sickness 2 hours from Sydney but later it says “DJ seems pretty well and he is a bit more lively each day" so when did he arrive?

[Richard prior]

Apparently arrived last Friday Kev.

[Messenger]

Richard may come to be known as Paddy as with his Irish contacts he is definitely our Irish correspondent ;)

[Richard prior]

Lots of interest with the Irish Kev and I believe quite a few of his fans are making the trek out to watch him.

[Messenger]

2nd rankings available below

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/TABtouch-Perth-Inter-Dominion-Second-Rankings

I hope Teecee can tell us that some of the NZers are budding champions or am I just being greedy wanting more competition for the top 2?

[Messenger]

No Beautide

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Beautide-out-of-the-Inter-Dominion

Now I really do need some new talent to get me excited - what have you got over there teecee?

[Messenger]

Third rankings are out
We have gone from 88 on the list to 58

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-Third-Rankings

[Toohard]

For anyone interested... Young son Luke has secured an 'exclusive' media interview with the trainer of the Irish horse Meadowbranch DJ that is now in Perth for the Inter. Cost me a case of Guinness!!! Seriously the young lad has done it all mostly off his own bat and I believe it will go to air live on Monday night sometime after 8pm. Can listen on net via here http://979fm.com.au/ and click few buttons. Should be fascinating interview with person truly passionate about the sport. If have questions you want asked add them here.

[Messenger]

Hi Paul, maybe Luke should pm Richard - I am pretty sure he has had some contact with the connections and may have a couple of leads to follow up

[teecee]

Christen Me reported as only 50-50 chance of getting to Perth after being withdrawn today from NZ Cup and NZ FFA. He seems to have health issues which as yet have yet to be accurately diagnosed.

[Messenger]

That would be bad news - class is really falling away
We are still waiting for your opinion on who are the best of the NZers Tony

[teecee]

who's left.
truly the id is somewhat off the radar here with its close proximity to our biggest carnival about to begin.
i'll need to do some extra homework kev and get back to you hopefully before grand final day

[DRUIDRACING]

Glad to see ID15 back to heats and finals it will test some of the fragile horses around, but with the horses now being bred for speed the horses are no longer able to handle extra racing. It will come down to the trainers who know there horses and what is required to back up. Should make good racing requiring an easy run on the way to the final. unfortunately our racing is becoming like the american style big tracks and speed. (boring)

[Smoken]

This definitely won't be the strongest ID in history.. Let's hope a horse can stamp there authority with crushing wins! I will stick with LTS!

[teecee]

Christen Me reported as only 50-50 chance of getting to Perth after being withdrawn today from NZ Cup and NZ FFA. He seems to have health issues which as yet have yet to be accurately diagnosed.

No longer 50-50 chance as Cran pulls Christen Me from the series along with stablemate Mighty Flying Mac.

[Messenger]

The Irish campaign kicks off in a C2 at Northam on Tuesday.
C2 because with the limited prizemoney in Ireland, Meadowbranch DJ is assessed as only being C1

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=28058

[Messenger]

Watch the DJ at 10.40 AEDT tonight

[LisaB25]

Missed the race, unsure what happened but 50m from the winner

[Messenger]

Dam, I missed it too (I am sure I set my ph to remind me) and I am not sure we can get WA replays.
WA posters please weigh in

[Mighty Atom]

Dam, I missed it too (I am sure I set my ph to remind me) and I am not sure we can get WA replays.
WA posters please weigh in
Hi Kevin,
watched race last night Meadowbranch DJ caught three wide for first 400 metres raced up to take on Oaksana Boy for the lead got a little fired up. Went to the front at the bell Mark Reed let loose on Foxy Dame (started fav) went past DJ like she had just joined in. Probably needed the run but with the huge rise in the ID fields I believe they have a serious dilemma.

[Messenger]

Thanks for the excellent description Rod

[Chariots]

Eight Inter Dominion final acceptors engaged in the Smoken Up sprint on Friday night at Melton.

[Messenger]

I am a bit worried about the NZ runners teecee - kiwi's don't seem to handle Perth too well :D

[teecee]

positioned as it is between NZ's two major carnivals positioned as they have been for longer than I have been around meant it was not going to attract anything of interest from here. That said we don't blame WA officials for the positioning of the ID at this time of the year. Their hands were tied by the apparent intransigence of those in the Eastern states of Australia happy to move around place their carnivals without due consideration.

[Messenger]

I was actually thinking about another sport, sorry Tony

[Messenger]

Final acceptances

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Final-acceptances-for-Tabtouch-Inter-Dominion

I am underwhelmed but that may just be me

[kung fu man]

Underwhelmed is an understatement Kevin, a lot of horses haven't raced well this year ,just my observation

[HaroldParker]

I've returned to Oz just in time for Perth. I'm flying over on Thursday for a couple of weeks. The series has fallen away a little with scratchings and the Kiwi's are too precious. They've become so accustomed to NSW and VIC virtually gifting them entry into our big races that the thought of earning it just isn't palatable.

I don't know whether WA chipped in to get the Irish horse here, I assume so ? A lot of the advertising is around the series being "International". Firstly, connections have been sold a wrist watch if they're on the hook. The form in Ireland was OK, I think the ID qualifier was the first win in a while so he's not exactly Jarvsofaks.

How does an Interdominion horse go around in a CO @ Northam get beaten 50m and not have to trial ? The Twitter page which was in overdrive leading up to the race is mute and I notice on the Perth ID page there's a number of queries from peeps asking about the horse without any reply. They also bypassed a C2 @ Gloucester Park on Monday and a race @ Narrogin where it was suggested he'd go around to prove his "readiness" for series.

I'm a big fan of WA racing but they've gone to ground and speaking of which, I watched the Brennan Memorial last night. There were a couple in that mildly supported to beat Frith who were driven dead with a view to the next week. I didn't have any skin in it but when you go to the races such instances should be dealt with by Stewards. What about the punters ?

I'm still looking forward to the series : )

Geez my Old Fav Smokey The Bandit is on the outside looking in. Freyberg a bit stiff not to be in there also.

Big advantage to have a horse in a leading barn.

Classic American, Crusader Banner and Northview Punter ahead of the two mentioned above is a joke.

I'll take that further, sure rank them earlier on but as you get closer to the big dance, current form has to be taken into consideration. I can see a dozen horses at least that should be ranked below Bandit, Frey and Norvic.

As a consequence we have out of form horses in leading barns going around that offer naught to the series other than keep a few in form horses on the pine.

Great to see it back in the proper format but they need to adjust.

[Richard prior]

G'day Bob, Enjoy the trip over west mate, Totally agree with most that you have mentioned but I think you might have been a little harsh on the Kiwi's, No doubt that Christian Me would have been there and mighty hard to beat if he wasn't injured but the problem I see is the programming once again as the Interdom is to be run right on the back of the NZ Trotting Cup carnival so this certainly rules out a lot of their good and up and coming horses, The programming is a problem across the board and surely HRA could sit down or have an annual pow wow about this and try to bring some sanity into things, Everbody wants to see the best horses compete against each other and this can only be achieved by correct programming. The Rankings have become a bit of a farce as you've mentioned and your 100% right, Put the Rankings up earlier and current form must come into it or there's a fairly good chance that out of form horses will get through and a horse like Freyburg who ran a good race again last night gets left out on a limb, The owners of this horse would be very happy with his current winning form but would be very disillusioned with the Interdom format.

[LisaB25]

Agree, some of the ones sitting in the emergency list should be above a few of the other runners. Smokey and the bucket list I thought would have made it. Couple of the Eastern staters went around on Friday night in between races for a look at the track including Mach beauty who went 1.53. Think he will like GP and when he leads will be hard to beat, hopefully will get to heats 2 & 3 and the final. Looking forward to it.

[p plater]

L. Panella suspended last night at Menangle in race 3, she got 11 days. This could mean the first 2 heats.

[Mighty Atom]

L. Panella suspended last night at Menangle in race 3, she got 11 days. This could mean the first 2 heats.

Great News, We can do without her driving tactics on a track like GP.

[Richard prior]

Great News, We can do without her driving tactics on a track like GP.
+1

[Sofoulis]

-1

Back only a few weeks after being horribly injured in a race fall and already more than 10 winners in NSW and countless placings... Inters isn't just for the best horses, but the best drivers as well... Disappointing she won't be in the first few heats, but looking forward to her lighting up GP later in the series.

[Messenger]

But it is hard to forgive her for Im Victorious not being there Adam

[Sofoulis]

In my view it is never "great news" when either a great horse or driver is out.

[HaroldParker]

Cran Dalgety has always been the exception. It's a shame Christen Me couldn't make it.

Lauren Panella is an outstanding talent. Horses run for her. I think peeps forget her rise before teaming up with Tritton. When she was freelancing horses improved out of sight for her. The I'm Victorious incident was very unfortunate. It was a mistake in the heat of the battle. Very few leading drivers don't have an incident/s similar to it. Kudos to Tritton for going to Amanda Turnbull in the interim.

[Messenger]

I wish I was as forgiving as you Bob, if I was an owner of Im Victorious I would remind her every time I saw her (sorry, I must be a nasty bastard)
When you get to Gp 1 racing you are supposed to be better than that - I cannot think of too many horses who's careers were ended by leading drivers taking them out

[Buns]

Any thoughts on Waylade crossing stablemate Machtu and holding the lead or Machtu hunting up to hold the lead and Waylade opting 1x1 or 1x2? Waylade is good beginner but not overly brilliant and there looks to be speed from Shannonsablast,Devendra and Easy On The Eye.

[Messenger]

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=GP271115

Tune in from about 10pm AEDT (Midnight NZ will be too late for teecee!)

[Maorisidol]

The Inter Dom you have,
When youre not having an Inter Dom...
Maybe the poorest quality ID in the modern era, its like a jar full of lollies where 80% are pretend toy lollies that just shouldnt be there...
Just my opinion
Too many horses missing and too many NZ's who wont travel that far and to a small track.

[Gtrain]

Does anyone find odd and slightly unfair he way the mobile releases them at GP? It's arms fold back before accelerating away seemingly giving advantage to the inside two and slightly stalling those in the centre of the field. I haven't seen another mobile anywhere whose arms fold so early and before getting away from the field. Was really highlighted in Lenny the Sharks heat.

[Messenger]

That was some time that Philadelphia ran (only .2 sec outside Tk Rec) but Lenny was the most impressive - doing it tough. He will probably be looking for major points again next round so that they can drive him soft in the third to freshen him up for the final

[teecee]

just so that we all understand and any whingeing is nipped in the bud early, the previous post has been deleted as it does not deal with the issues of the thread.
Please restrict your comments to the subject matter. That subject matter does not include solely rubbishing the opinions of others without offering anything on the topic.
You may not agree with another member's opinions but they are still entitled to express them here in a mature manner without immaturely being bagged by others solely intent on such.
As has been said here previously stick to the subject matter and leave the personalities outside where they belong.
Any such similarly flavoured posts will meet a similar fate.

[Mighty Atom]

Outstanding opening night of ID racing at the 'ribbon of light' - Gloucester Park. Even foxtel said that this is the pinnacle of harness racing and Perth stages the event so well. Super fast racing on a superb track with all the best horses apart from Christen Me and Arden Rooney participating. You had to be there to experience it. Once again Harness Racing W.A.sets a very high bar for lesser lights to aspire to.

[Adaptor]

Devendra
Here's a member of a family that is quite prolific.
All descended from Pentlands Image a daughter of a good Melbourne Showgrounds winner for Phonse Hickey....Pentland Lass (by Meadow Vance)

Pentlands Image 1976 (F N10 ) by Tarport Bret - [4]
Draw Card 1989 (F N10 ) by Whats Next - [7]
Bettor Draw 2007 (F N10) by Bettors Delight - 1:51.9 $201,818
Faithful Sally 2002 (F N10) by Village Jasper - 1:59.6 $48,779 [1]
Faithful Gabby 2010 (F N10) by American Ideal - 1:59.3 $81,634
Guenevereslancelot 2003 (F N10 ) by Our Sir Vancelot - 1:59.9 $72,021
King Carey 1997 (G N10 ) by Walton Hanover - 1:57.1 $178,937
Kings A Coach 2004 (M N10 ) by Village Jasper - 1:59.2 $60,604
Public Persecution 2000 (F N10 ) by Safely Kept - 2:02.7 $63,659 [1]
Fawzia 2011 (F N10) by Sportswriter - 2:00.9 $55,966
Queen Carey 1999 (F N10 ) by Walton Hanover - 1:56.3 $165,227 [2]
Benediction 2007 (F N10) by Bettors Delight - 1:57.8 $157,780
Devendra 2009 (M N10) by Bettors Delight - 1:52.0 $204,593

Frozen Credit 1980 (G N10 ) by North Pole - 2:02.5 $14,449

Law Court 1991 (G N10 ) by Whats Next - 2:00.0 $20,295

Sorell Hanover 1982 (G N10 ) by Tyros Hanover - 2:04.6 $32,193

[Big K]

Outstanding opening night of ID racing at the 'ribbon of light' - Gloucester Park. Even foxtel said that this is the pinnacle of harness racing and Perth stages the event so well. Super fast racing on a superb track with all the best horses apart from Christen Me and Arden Rooney participating. You had to be there to experience it. Once again Harness Racing W.A.sets a very high bar for lesser lights to aspire to.

Yes Rod..spot on!!!, I took the long drive up to watch the first set of heats plus the good 4yo race and the mares...outstanding night.Huge crowd to boot made it the place to be for any harness fans.Looking forward to Tuesday at Bunbury as well.Nothing but positive's in my humble opinion.I would want my horse to be a part of the richest harness race in the world if he was good enough!!!!..I think the best is yet to come...

[Richard prior]

Totally agree with everything that Rod and Big K have mentioned, Even though Christen Me, Beautide and Arden Rooney aren't competing, It was a great nights racing and congrats to Harness Racing WA for putting on a great show, All the winners went well and Lenny went exceptional, As a friend mentioned earlier in the night, It really looks like Lenny is the one to beat in the series, I think with the 3 horses mentioned earlier missing, The series is more even and still very interesting, The next round at Bunbury will be intriguing with P Man not drawing real well in his heat and hopefully he can continue on with his form from Friday nights heat.

[Lenny]

It was surprising to discover that the third round of heats will be preferential barrier draw based on points. Seems strange to change the format from the first two heats?

[Chariots]

I believe that decision was made to even up the heats for competitive racing and maximise turnover.

I am keeping an open mind on how it will play out.

Could be inviting those with enough points to have a soft run on the final night rather than be full bore for victory.

[Messenger]

I believe that decision was made to even up the heats for competitive racing and maximise turnover.

I am keeping an open mind on how it will play out.

Could be inviting those with enough points to have a soft run on the final night rather than be full bore for victory.

Ray, IMO it is certain to and if anything they needed a reverse preferential draw to get them to go for it. An alternative may have been to scale the prizemoney to have the last round of heats worth twice the other rounds

[Lenny]

Ray, IMO it is certain to and if anything they needed a reverse preferential draw to get them to go for it. An alternative may have been to scale the prizemoney to have the last round of heats worth twice the other rounds

My preference would be to leave it random and let the contest be a truly free for all contest.

[Smoken]

Lenny looks as though he has a big chance at being crowned this years ID Champ. PhilyMan was great as well, as was Avonnova. Looking forward to the rest of the heats on Tuesday.

[Messenger]

My preference would be to leave it random and let the contest be a truly free for all contest.

It may be the best Martin but thinking about some people's incredibly bad runs with draws (discussed in another thread) I wonder whether we could not have a computer program than ensures that everyone gets an even shake - with 10 starters in each heat the 'average' draw of any runner should be 5½ so after 3 rounds the computer program should be able to see to it that the sum of the draws of all runners should add up to 16-17

[Lenny]

It may be the best Martin but thinking about some people's incredibly bad runs with draws (discussed in another thread) I wonder whether we could not have a computer program than ensures that everyone gets an even shake - with 10 starters in each heat the 'average' draw of any runner should be 5½ so after 3 rounds the computer program should be able to see to it that the sum of the draws of all runners should add up to 16-17

That's seems like a fair outcomebut after talking to people today the PBD for the last heat is driven by lack of betting turnover of 3rd heats run under the historical format so I don't believe any changes will be made going forward.

[Messenger]

Tune in between 8.50 and about 10.20 AEDT tonight for the mile heats tonight (10.50 - 12.20 NZ time is not too bad Tony)

I will be interested in the last of the heats to see if Chris Alford (10) lets Gavin (9) ease Philadelphia Man off the pegs at release. Gavin usually drives Five Star Anvil for Adam Kelly

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=FV011215

[Smoken]

Why would the drivers on Devendra and Mach Alert do what they did? Just plain irrational! Maybe they wanted to have the quickest first quarter and that's it. Lang would have been giggling from the start.

[Messenger]

I could justify giving Rattray a holiday for his stubborness.
It has been fairly hard racing but I can now see Lenny and Phil giving themselves easier runs in the 3rd round with them clearly the faves for the final when draws will become all important
It will be interesting to see if the stewards ask any Q's when they are driven cold next round

[G-Mac]

They will have a great excuse to be driven cold next round Kevin. The third round of heats is PBD

[Messenger]

Yeah, we have discussed the merits of that Glen but as far as an excuse goes - if say Phil draws 9 again but does not try to get off the pegs - what do the stewards do?

[Chariots]

9 is the outside of the front line at GP and that is where he and Lenny have drawn under the PBD on points

[Messenger]

Thanks Ray, Bunbury was confusing me

Is this supposed to be the best site for Inter News?

http://www.perthinterdominion.com.au/

Surely not. No news since before 2nd round, much less a points tally

Edit: points table is only thing up to date - I found it under Race Information on toolbar

[Messenger]

Nevertheless Lenny is odds on and Phil 6/4 for Friday's round (on WA TABtouch)

Fields

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=GP041215

[Chariots]

Might be time to get on Twitter Kevin. The coverage through this medium has been sensational.

[Messenger]

Hi Ray, what is the news on twitter about the poor performance of the Irish horse?

[HaroldParker]

Hi Ray, what is the news on twitter about the poor performance of the Irish horse?

Not a peep about the Irish horse on Twitter Kev. It's funny, I'm in WA for the week ... the "International" spin surrounding the series before Northam disappeared very quickly. As for Twitter, 60% self adoration, 30% fluff and 10% useful information.

As for Bunbury, ignore the spin, it was surely a massive disappointment. I was at Gloucester Park on Friday and drove down to Bunbury on Tuesday. Chalk and cheese. It was a poor turnout to say the least. What did they expect kicking off the meeting @ 4.50pm, the first ID heat before 6pm and the first 5 races run in daylight. I watched the races on the infield screen. The glare for at least the first four races was terrible.

Harness Racing is half the product it is from a spectators perspective in daylight. This infatuation with running feature meetings during the day, in heat, is beyond me.

[Maorisidol]

Not a peep about the Irish horse on Twitter Kev. It's funny, I'm in WA for the week ... the "International" spin surrounding the series before Northam disappeared very quickly. As for Twitter, 60% self adoration, 30% fluff and 10% useful information.

As for Bunbury, ignore the spin, it was surely a massive disappointment. I was at Gloucester Park on Friday and drove down to Bunbury on Tuesday. Chalk and cheese. It was a poor turnout to say the least. What did they expect kicking off the meeting @ 4.50pm, the first ID heat before 6pm and the first 5 races run in daylight. I watched the races on the infield screen. The glare for at least the first four races was terrible.

Harness Racing is half the product it is from a spectators perspective in daylight. This infatuation with running feature meetings during the day, in heat, is beyond me.

Early start so from a betting point of view races are not run so late that Eastern states are not in bed, because most of NZ followers would be! Another great reason for running such a series in WA, yay!
Great to see Lenny and Phil kicking butt, Irish horse most ridiculous decision, who thought he would be good enough to compete, let alone be competitive?

[Chariots]

Just for you Harold.

http://www.perthinterdominion.com.au/media/inter-dominion-video-centre/

If you can't find some useful information there you are hard to please.

[Messenger]

That is definitely a good source of news Ray but I must say I had missed it.
I know I am stupid but I have been clicking on the picture icon for Latest News and thinking that Latest Video was race day stuff

[Messenger]

How wrong was I, I cannot believe that Chris Alford gave Lenny that hard a run

[Smoken]

How wrong was I, I cannot believe that Chris Alford gave Lenny that hard a run

Maybe he thinks he needed it Kev? Or maybe he was over confident.. You could tell for Lenny to win that race, Chris had to stoke him up earlier than what he did. He wasn't chasing no slouch.. LD has ran some big races in the series so far.. Without sounding like a sour sport, I'm not feeling this years inter much at all..

[The Escape Club]

Good girl, she finally got a draw, unfortunately too little, too late.

[Messenger]

Maybe he thinks he needed it Kev? Or maybe he was over confident.. You could tell for Lenny to win that race, Chris had to stoke him up earlier than what he did. He wasn't chasing no slouch.. LD has ran some big races in the series so far.. Without sounding like a sour sport, I'm not feeling this years inter much at all..

Maybe he did think he needs it - compared to the winner who has been racing for 10 months.
I think the coverage is VVG - Adam and Gareth are working well together

[Smoken]

Was Philadelphia Man disappointing or what.. He had the perfect run into it, & still couldn't gather in the leaders. Well done to LibertyBell Midfrew. I don't understand how Major Crocker was the favourite in that race.. That's another 'what the' moment..
Well done to the mighty mare Frith in the Norms Daughter Classic. A few hard luck stories in that race!

[Messenger]

Devendra's rise is somewhat unbelievable

[Smoken]

Sure is Kev.. You hardly ever see them do that at GP.. I feel sorry for the Irish horse.. Beautiful horse, BUT... He should have stayed in the Northern Hemisphere. What were they thinking?
Menin Gate went horrible.. He should have had a few runs before tackling WA's best..

[Richard prior]

Back on track with a great nights racing last night folks, Great to see Lenny and P Man driven to win or at least trying to win their heats instead of taking the soft option, I was pretty surprised initially to see Libertybelle Midfrew in the series as she could have waited for Frith's race to come around but full marks to the mare last night, She's certainly very smart, Devendra's run was sensational coming from the back at the 400m, His career has been very similar to Beautide's, Lots of racing in Tazzy then the odd trip away and now he's racing very well in the top grade, Lenny and P Man far from disgraced last night and how crucial is the draw for the final?? It's going to be a cracker with any number of chances. Menin Gate was bitterly disappointing after a tough run but Beaudene Boaz and Run Oneover are extra smart horses and it was never going to be a stroll in the park for MG.

[Mark Croatto]

Maybe he thinks he needed it Kev? Or maybe he was over confident.. You could tell for Lenny to win that race, Chris had to stoke him up earlier than what he did. He wasn't chasing no slouch.. LD has ran some big races in the series so far.. Without sounding like a sour sport, I'm not feeling this years inter much at all..

Hi Smoken

I'm the opposite with regards to the series; I'm feeling it and loving it, but I made a point of watching and reading as much as possible as this is my preferred style for the Inter Dominion. Having said that I can understand your point because whilst Gloucester Park, in my opinion, are doing an outstanding job running and promoting it, on the eastern side of the country it really requires our media sources, both general and harness, to pick it up and run with it. I haven't seen much of that at all, just an occasional mention here and there. Add to that the commonly held view that West Australian horses are somehow not up to the east, the fact that Beautide, Arden Rooney and Christen Me are missing, and you can see why there isn't as much of a buzz over here. I've sat down and watched all the heats and last night's racing was outstanding. LTS and Philadelphia Man had their chances but they were not able to do the job on the night and I think that goes to support my view that the quality of West Australian horses is equal to any in Australasia. I'm not a fan of afternoon harness racing but nonetheless I can't wait for Sunday week. It will be an outstanding final :-)

Regards

Mark

[Messenger]

Good girl, she finally got a draw, unfortunately too little, too late.

Amazing that she has made the final after a mere 7th and 8th in the first 2 rounds

http://www.perthinterdominion.com.au/race-information/2015-perth-inter-dominion-progressive-points-table/

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-Final-field-found-in-Perth-

[Richard prior]

[QUOTE=Mark Croatto;45002]Hi Smoken

I'm the opposite with regards to the series; I'm feeling it and loving it, but I made a point of watching and reading as much as possible as this is my preferred style for the Inter Dominion. Having said that I can understand your point because whilst Gloucester Park, in my opinion, are doing an outstanding job running and promoting it, on the eastern side of the country it really requires our media sources, both general and harness, to pick it up and run with it. I haven't seen much of that at all, just an occasional mention here and there. Add to that the commonly held view that West Australian horses are somehow not up to the east, the fact that Beautide, Arden Rooney and Christen Me are missing, and you can see why there isn't as much of a buzz over here. I've sat down and watched all the heats and last night's racing was outstanding. LTS and Philadelphia Man had their chances but they were not able to do the job on the night and I think that goes to support my view that the quality of West Australian horses is equal to any in Australasia. I'm not a fan of afternoon harness racing but nonetheless I can't wait for Sunday week. It will be an outstanding final :-)

Regards

Mark

+1

[Mighty Atom]

Best night of harness racing anywhere in Australia this year.
DEVENDRA ??? definitely the one to beat in the final

[The Escape Club]

Amazing that she has made the final after a mere 7th and 8th in the first 2 rounds

http://www.perthinterdominion.com.au/race-information/2015-perth-inter-dominion-progressive-points-table/

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-Final-field-found-in-Perth-

I'm almost afraid that she'll win it. I've been backing her the whole way through. Before the 2nd round of heats, she'd blown out to $126 for the final so I had a go at her each way. Imagine my delight when she made the final and I checked my statement to see that I'd actually backed Northview Punter who was on the same line and not her.

[Mighty Atom]

Beaudiene Boaz 1:53:8 and My Hard Copy's 1:51:6 at Bunbury brilliant times for 8 and 900 metre tracks I hope that because WA horses make up half of the final field this does not deter the very best of the interstate horses from returning next year.

[Messenger]

That wont happen Rod = $$$$$
If it did, those $$$$ would soon halve

[Messenger]

Best night of harness racing anywhere in Australia this year.
DEVENDRA ??? definitely the one to beat in the final

I would be more comfortable if he didn't

[Chariots]

Still disappointing to see a few negative comments about the series.

Traditional format, very competitive racing and building up to a great final day with an excellent supporting card.

A few of the superstars missing but only because they have had issues leading up to the series.

$1.3m final, the richest pacing race in the world, and still some try to tear it down, very hard to please.

[Smoken]

Hi Smoken

I'm the opposite with regards to the series; I'm feeling it and loving it, but I made a point of watching and reading as much as possible as this is my preferred style for the Inter Dominion. Having said that I can understand your point because whilst Gloucester Park, in my opinion, are doing an outstanding job running and promoting it, on the eastern side of the country it really requires our media sources, both general and harness, to pick it up and run with it. I haven't seen much of that at all, just an occasional mention here and there. Add to that the commonly held view that West Australian horses are somehow not up to the east, the fact that Beautide, Arden Rooney and Christen Me are missing, and you can see why there isn't as much of a buzz over here. I've sat down and watched all the heats and last night's racing was outstanding. LTS and Philadelphia Man had their chances but they were not able to do the job on the night and I think that goes to support my view that the quality of West Australian horses is equal to any in Australasia. I'm not a fan of afternoon harness racing but nonetheless I can't wait for Sunday week. It will be an outstanding final :-)

Regards

Mark

That pretty much sums it up in what I was meaning Mark. I personally think that Gloucester Park is the best looking track in Australia. The scenery is numero uno! It would be great if they showcase the greatest harness race in the year more than what they are doing at the moment. It's the Melbourne Cup equivalent in the harness world. Harness deserves some of the glory of yesteryear. Maybe I am just too critical/picky, but I still hold to my opinion.

I personally can't see Devendra winning the final, unless the fancied runners are seriously used up at the start or have horrid runs. If Devendra draws the front, he better not do what he did at Bunbury... If he does, game over for Devendra. The draw will determine who is favourite and who is not. Critical!

[Messenger]

Still disappointing to see a few negative comments about the series.

Traditional format, very competitive racing and building up to a great final day with an excellent supporting card.

A few of the superstars missing but only because they have had issues leading up to the series.

$1.3m final, the richest pacing race in the world, and still some try to tear it down, very hard to please.

I think the negatives are really only based on the scheduling (almost a clash with NZ) and the time difference (some - probably unfairly, make it out to be the equivalent of being in another country)

My only real reservation Ray, is what if you getting a stinking hot day next weekend

[Mark Croatto]

That pretty much sums it up in what I was meaning Mark. I personally think that Gloucester Park is the best looking track in Australia. The scenery is numero uno! It would be great if they showcase the greatest harness race in the year more than what they are doing at the moment. It's the Melbourne Cup equivalent in the harness world. Harness deserves some of the glory of yesteryear. Maybe I am just too critical/picky, but I still hold to my opinion.

I personally can't see Devendra winning the final, unless the fancied runners are seriously used up at the start or have horrid runs. If Devendra draws the front, he better not do what he did at Bunbury... If he does, game over for Devendra. The draw will determine who is favourite and who is not. Critical!

Totally agree with the showcasing issue. As we come up to both the Spring and Autumn carnivals, Sky Radio is constantly playing intro's to the feature races. It seems there is an ad every 10 or 15 minutes, and backed up by the obligatory sentimental musical score the ads really do a great job in promoting the gallops carnivals. We really need that sort of support as well.

Cheers

[The Escape Club]

I think the negatives are really only based on the scheduling (almost a clash with NZ) and the time difference (some - probably unfairly, make it out to be the equivalent of being in another country)

My only real reservation Ray, is what if you getting a stinking hot day next weekend


This far out for what it's worth, the forecast at this stage is for 34, mostly sunny with a bit of cloud about.

[Messenger]

You guys are probably used to that Robert, a bit of cloud and some breeze to go with the 34 would be bearable. Forecast here for Stawell tomorrow is 37 and I am umming and ahhing :(

[Smoken]

Totally agree with the showcasing issue. As we come up to both the Spring and Autumn carnivals, Sky Radio is constantly playing intro's to the feature races. It seems there is an ad every 10 or 15 minutes, and backed up by the obligatory sentimental musical score the ads really do a great job in promoting the gallops carnivals. We really need that sort of support as well.

Cheers

Well said Mark! Btw, I don't think many people doubt the quality of the WA horses, it's there adaptation to GP track that some think favours them compared to the Eastern state horses. If only David Hercules was in the series.. Always had high regards of DH, from when he ran that great race behind Smoken Up @ Melton years ago. Sad that he retired.

[littlelenny]

I was a little sceptical of this years series before it started because I thought it was going to be boring but I remembered how much I enjoyed the 2012 series so I have stayed up to tune in to watch all the heats and im glad I did. Just to go back to the traditional format I believe has worked and it is such a level series it makes you want to tune in especially because every participant is having a go no one is lying down and conceding defeat. I have to say I like the final night of heats pbd on points it gave every horse a chance. The sport definitely needs to be showcased and I hope the series remains in this format into the future because in my opinion the last couple have been very boring and that's taking nothing away from Beautide hes a super horse. The final hasn't run yet and in my opinion the heats of this series have already surpassed the last two Inter finals.


Barrier draw is going to be so vital for the final.

[Chariots]

1. Lovers Delight
2. Waylade
3. Lennytheshatk
4. Philadelphia Man
5. Our Blackbird
6. Libertybelle Midfrew's
7. Avonnova
8. Devendra
9. My Hard Copy
10. Flaming Flutter - 2nd line

Hard to see the winner coming outside 1-4.

[Richard prior]

Read somewhere that the Bunbury crowd was a bit disappointing, If that was the case, Pinjarra might be an option for a round of heats next year.

[Messenger]

1. Lovers Delight
2. Waylade
3. Lennytheshatk
4. Philadelphia Man
5. Our Blackbird
6. Libertybelle Midfrew's
7. Avonnova
8. Devendra
9. My Hard Copy
10. Flaming Flutter - 2nd line

Hard to see the winner coming outside 1-4.

The final is over 2536m again I assume. The only other chance I see Ray, might be Devendra if they go hard and he is driven cold and gets a nice cart up on the back of Avonnova down the back

[aussiebreno]

As someone who hasn't been too interested in the series this year I actually thought the draw has worked perfectly for creating the best race possible. It is Lennys race to lose but I believe horses 5-10 will have their fair chance.
With the next best two favoured horses drawn inside Lenny he may have a hard time. If both fit and firing it's been proven PMan can't beat Lenny and from that draw PMan will probably have the harder run so I can't see him winning.
So if the pace is hot (which the draw gives the best chance of it being hot) horses 5-10 are right into it.
We've seen Libertybelle Midfrew sit 3 wide last 1000m in good times (eg Gold Nugget), we've seen My Hard Copy storm home in quick time off a hot pace (Bunbury Heat), we've seen Flaming Flutter should have ran past Lenny and PMan if not got held up (Shep Cup). In a series devoid of many GC regulars Avonnova been on the circuit 13 months and will get his easiest run of the series, and of course Devendra won 2 heats himself and got butchered in one. Probably can't really make a case for Our Blackbird but he did only get beaten 2m by Lenny a fortnight ago.
Even the emergencies Major Crocker has beaten Lenny and had to be close to run of the series when beaten at Bunbury, while Blazin n Cullen tends to save his best performances for Gp1s when you don't expect it eg Inter, Len Smith Mile.
I'm probably looking at the silver lining for each horses chances but from how I felt considering I been negative about the series for a couple months I am excited for the final.

[Richard prior]

Excellent thoughts on the Final Breno, It's going to be a cracker, I quite like the way that Waylade has progressed through the series, He's pretty inexperienced compared to most of the others and might be a year short but definitley one to keep your eye on in the future.

[Messenger]

A good summary of Lover's Delight including breeding etc etc

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Lover-s-Delight---Can-he-win-the-1.3m-Final-

He has pretty much be up for 10mths but had 6wks between runs in June/July and another 8wks between runs with Sept free

[Messenger]

From Harnesslink news compliments of racingbase.com

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-Final-runner-by-runner-guide

You will be surprised at his selections
No's 5&10 E/W

[HISGEN65]

AVONNOVA fixed at $7.50 a place - he is as tough as nails & the extra distance will suit - as always depends on the run of the race - pretty good odds though

[Messenger]

What do you mean by 'extra distance' James?

[HISGEN65]

The Longer distance races suit him I meant sorry..especially from an average gate

[Messenger]

Oops

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Lennytheshark-to-take-out-1.3-million-Grand-Final-

[Smoken]

Will Flaming Flutter be carted into the race? If so, what do you guys think of his chances? Definitely a nice horse, doesn't seem quite himself lately over all?

[The Escape Club]

Amazing that she has made the final after a mere 7th and 8th in the first 2 rounds

http://www.perthinterdominion.com.au/race-information/2015-perth-inter-dominion-progressive-points-table/

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-Final-field-found-in-Perth-


I hope they go forward with her and don't let any of the others have an easy quarter during the race.

She's tough

[Richard prior]

Totally agree Rob, She's tough as old boots, Can't really see any slow quarters with WA's racing style, She's definitely a chance.

[Richard prior]

Will Flaming Flutter be carted into the race? If so, what do you guys think of his chances? Definitely a nice horse, doesn't seem quite himself lately over all?
It's not a bad draw for Flaming Flutter James, Surely he will be right on the back of Lovers Delight who I think will lead but I'm not sure if FF is up to it on current form and will need a lot of luck getting off the pegs if he's in the hunt.

[Messenger]

I wish the Final was over 2936m. Over that distance you can almost guarantee there will be moves.
I am relying on WA's reputed 'take no prisoners' style of racing to deliver us an exciting final. I am however a little worried that Lovers Delight will lead and Lenny will take the death and very little action will eventuate.
Sometimes there can be something to be said for team driving to create a bit of excitement (not malicious of course)

[Amlin]

A reminder that 7mate is showing the Final live from 5pm Melb time - with no interruptions from Dubbo dogs or Upotipotpon gallops

[Messenger]

Wa TABTOUCH's money back if 2nd or 3rd for Fixed Odds WIN bet, your first such bet only, up to $50 sounds appealing

https://www.tabtouch.com.au/home/index

[Messenger]

I wish the Final was over 2936m. Over that distance you can almost guarantee there will be moves.
I am relying on WA's reputed 'take no prisoners' style of racing to deliver us an exciting final. I am however a little worried that Lovers Delight will lead and Lenny will take the death and very little action will eventuate.
Sometimes there can be something to be said for team driving to create a bit of excitement (not malicious of course)


A reminder that 7mate is showing the Final live from 5pm Melb time - with no interruptions from Dubbo dogs or Upotipotpon gallops

I wish I had been wrong for that procession is not likely to have converted any newbs tuned into 7mate

[Richard prior]

A real ding dong go up front between Lenny and Lovers Delight, Bit of a shame we didn't see any moves from the back and I thought that Avonovva's run was massive, Only 0.1 outside the track record but full marks to Lenny.

[barney]

I wish I had been wrong for that procession is not likely to have converted any newbs tuned into 7mate

Was a good race to watch but my one dissapointment that Nsw and also Vic decided not to have a metro meeting to coincide with the showpiece of Harness racing.

[Viv Strangman]

The view of this years Inter- Dominions from this side of the Tasman has been less than glowing but no involvement does that.
The article by Mat Kermeen is a touch over the top but his views are widely held over here

Article (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/75036283/mat-kermeen-give-punters-the-true-transtasman-inter-dominion-they-deserve)

[Richard prior]

Lets hope some sanity prevails with the future programming of the Interdom, NZ'ers ain't the only ones going on about how close your carnival and the Interdom is run, It's bloody ridiculous having both these carnivals so close together, At the end of the day you want to attract the very best horses but it's impossible under the current format, It's about time that HRA, NZ and all the Australian states have a pow wow and try to get the all over programming right.

[Messenger]

With virtually no moves, only a few enthusiasts found the final exciting so apart from addressing the timetabling let's also think about going for the longer distance.

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/No-excuses-as-the-Shark-dominates-final

This article tries to pretend that Avonnova's move was mid race - they are that desperate to try and spice up the facts

Run over 2936m - I don't think the death horse can refuse to hand up if pressure is applied = more moves and more exciting racing
Avonnova's 4th was almost the equal of Lenny's

[aussiebreno]

Would the death have been there for Beautide, Christen Me, Smolda, Adore Me, I'm Victorious, David Hercules, Terror to Love, Arden Rooney, Guaranteed? Would Lenny have actually pressured more for the lead with a couple of them in it. That may be more the issue rather than distance I feel Kev.

[Beltane]

For a while I thought I was watching a repeat of the 2004 Ross North Inter Dominion Championship won by Jofess. Jofess who drew the coveted pole barrier was able to hold out the challengers in the short run to the first turn, and kicked up and retained the lead – a scenario that set up the victory over The Falcon Strike, Sokyola and Mister D G.

Sokyola who had an awkward second line draw was trapped three wide (but stayed there unlike Avonnova) as The Falcon Strike adopted its usual tactics of racing forward to lead the outside division (just like Lenny did).

The difference was that Lenny was in a weaker 2015 field than that of 2004, and was able to out-sprint the pole sitter to the winning post.

[Lenny]

For a while I thought I was watching a repeat of the 2004 Ross North Inter Dominion Championship won by Jofess. Jofess who drew the coveted pole barrier was able to hold out the challengers in the short run to the first turn, and kicked up and retained the lead – a scenario that set up the victory over The Falcon Strike, Sokyola and Mister D G.

Sokyola who had an awkward second line draw was trapped three wide (but stayed there unlike Avonnova) as The Falcon Strike adopted its usual tactics of racing forward to lead the outside division (just like Lenny did).

The difference was that Lenny was in a weaker 2015 field than that of 2004, and was able to out-sprint the pole sitter to the winning post.


While just missing I'mthemightyquins track record by a tenth from the chair....you can only beat what's there.

[Richard prior]

While just missing I'mthemightyquins track record by a tenth from the chair....you can only beat what's there.

+1