Race 3. TAB INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 1):
TORNADO VALLEY: Currently holds the mantle as the best trotter in Australia. Has won an amazing 13 of his past 15 starts in the very best company. The one to beat.
WILMAS MATE: Kiwi, form looks average, but beware! This mare has been highly competitive over the years, has won more than $330k and now joins champion trainer Tim Butt. X-factor!
KYVALLEY BLUR: An amazing 11YO in career best form. Took on the best Kiwis during NZ Cup week, ran brilliantly both days, latter 2nd in G1 Dominion. Serious contender.
TOUGH MONARCH: Under-rated NSW-based trotter in very good form. Very tough win at Menangle two runs back in quick time. Has at least a place hope.
ALDERBECK: Kiwi, in astute hands, both runs in G1 races during NZ Cup week were creditable. Should have finished closer in the Dominion and that’s the best form. Respect at massive odds.
Race 4: TAB INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 2):
SPEEDING SPUR: Brilliant Kiwi trotter with stunning record, although I doubt he’s going as well as he can. Struggled to narrowly win G1 before plain in G1 Dominion last time. Has the best gate, clearly tough to beat but is too short in the market.
MAORI LAW: Exciting local trotter has won 14 of just 20 starts. Run queried last time, has been freshened. Very fast on his day, crack US driver in the bike, rates very highly.
MONTY PYTHON: Kiwi, in very good hands, form in strong NZ races is solid. Failed in G1 Dominion last time but didn’t have much luck. Can improve here, watch very closely.
RED HOT TOOTH: Extra smart when right, working back into best form, solid effort last time when parked and ran quick sectionals. Has the ability to be right in the finish.
ROMPERS MONARCHY: 9YO mare based in NSW but form is outstanding. Will track through from back row and be strong late. Has good speed, place claims.
Race 5: INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 1).
MY ALPHA ROCK: Sydney based in powerful Tritton barn, races at the highest level at Menangle every week, regular 1:50 pacer, won in 1:49.5 five runs back. Perfect gate, go close.
WRAPPERS DELIGHT: Brilliant local, has great gate speed likes to lead and is in wonderful form, last start powerful winner in sizzling time in quality race. Hard to catch.
TIGER TARA: Proven war-horse, competes at the top level ‘everywhere’, recently in NZ, ran super race when second in the NZ Cup, tired and failed in NZ FFA after tough trip. Can win.
IM PATS DELIGHT: Kiwi, has good record, racing well ran strong races during NZ Cup week latest 4th in NZ FFA. Gets lovely trail here and also Gavin Lang in the bike. Can definitely win.
JOES STAR OF MIA: NSW-based and started to grow a serious record. Impressive Menangle last time winning G3 FFA in very quick 1:49.3. Has an X-factor and potential not reached yet, watch closely.
Race 6: INTER DOMINION PACERS CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 2).
FRANCO NELSON: Member of the powerful Tritton team in Sydney, former Kiwi with outstanding record, has been kept fresh for this series, last few OK in hot races. Looks the leader.
MACH DORO: Dangerous sit-sprint pacer drawn ideally to track the favourite. Will get the sprint lane late so guaranteed the right trip. Always dangerous when gets that run.
SAN CARLO: Outstanding local in hot form, won Cranbourne Cup and Yarra Valley Cup before very good 2nd Popular Alm FFA. Tough draw but is good enough to overcome that and win. Go close.
SHADOW SAX: Another top local in sizzling form. Has won Sokyola Sprint and Popular Alm FFA at past two starts when drawn off the front. Different story here from back row but is very good, Chance.
VILLAGE WITCH: Will be massive odds, very good mare based in Sydney and will get three-fence trip here to be dangerous late. Probably can’t win but can figure in first-fours at good value.
Race 7: INTER DOMINION PACERS CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 3).
CRUZ BROMAC: Former Australian pacer now in Purdon/Rasmussen barn. Led and flew in NZ FFA when stunning winner in sizzling time. Likely scenario is similar here, definitely the one to beat.
LET IT RIDE: Member of powerful Tim Butt stable, has had perfect prep into this series. Massive effort last time wide, no cover, run down late in sub 1:50. Awkward draw but dangerous if gets clear running.
CASH N FLOW: Sydney-based pacer, has been in good form and draw here is critical. Tough, stays well, gets perfect trail from favourite here and sprint lane. Place at least.
OUR UNCLE SAM: Qld-based pacer with serious record. Has raced past few at Menangle in Sydney and gone extremely well, latest running on close 3rd Ellmers Image, Let It Ride. Good gate, respect.
MAGICAL MARN: Smart local, has gradually raced his way into this class all season. Gets back and runs on hard off a solid tempo, which he’ll get here. Probably can’t win but can be a first-four player.
