Note: Inter Dominion heats will be run at Alexandra Park in Auckland, racing right-handed (clockwise)
Race 5. INTER DOMINION PACERS HEAT 5. (2700m):
SELECTIONS: ULTIMATE SNIPER 1; Chase Auckland 2; Colt Thirty One 3; Ashley Locaz 4.
ULTIMATE SNIPER: We suggested before they ran a heat that this horse might be the best in NZ and he’s proven he is on the first two nights. Stunning wins both heats, the one they all have to stop again.
CHASE AUCKLAND: In great form, NZ Cup week form was outstanding and two heat runs here also very good. Continues to draw well – the main danger because of that draw.
COLT THIRTY ONE: Has had a horror series, back row draw first night, wide throughout and dropped out Tuesday night – forget. Finally draws a gate. Very capable of showing some major improvement although I doubt he’s handling the right-handed going.
ASHLEY LOCAZ: Freakishly talented but erratic pacer, galloped out first night and made up huge ground, slowly out second night and again made ground. Front row here. If behaves early could be a real contender.
SAN CARLO: Top class Australian who seems a shadow of himself here. Tired first night after tough run but was very plain here again on Tuesday night. Capable of so much better but he needs to really stand-up now.
Race 6. INTER DOMINION TROTTERS HEAT 5. (2700m):
SELECTIONS: HABIBI INTA 1; Temporale 2; Marcoola 3; Paramount King 4.
HABIBI INTA: Was simply dazzling when 7-length winner of the Group 1 Dominion Handicap Addington, Cup Week. Strange run here first night when odds-on then big improver Tuesday night. Good gate, trip suits, on the up, hard to beat.
TEMPORALE: Has raced extremely well both nights from good draws and has again had some luck with another decent draw. Has good gate speed and the trip is no issue. One of the genuine winning chances.
MARCOOLA: Has started favourite both heats and has raced very well when second in both heats, on each occasion finishing hard. Poor gate here but is good enough to overcome that with right luck and good drive.
PARAMOUNT KING: Was good odds first night set a New Zealand record winning, then again very solid effort here third Tuesday night. Awkward draw but racing well enough to stake a winning claim.
TOUGH MONARCH: Has been awful both nights of this series after having a huge NZ Cup Week at Addington, winning G1 NZ FFA and second in G1 Dominion. Comes up with perfect draw here but he has to turn his form right around on right-handed track.
Race 7. INTER DOMINION PACERS HEAT 6. (2700m):
SELECTIONS: CRUZ BROMAC 1; The Fixer 2; A G’s White Socks 3; Bling It On 4.
CRUZ BROMAC: In great form, won NZ Cup, galloped out when fav in FFA before two very solid seconds here first two nights. Gets great draw and has the chance to go into the final a winner here.
THE FIXER: Stable-mate to Cruz Bromac, only ‘just’ when 5th in NZ FFA, ran on nicely 3rd here first night was an improvement and again made good ground late Tuesday night. Better draw, will press forward and trip no issue. Hard to beat.
A G’S WHITE SOCKS: Has been a revelation this series, came from the back opening night and too fast late before worked to the front and won impressively here Tuesday night. Back row draw no spoil but is in red-hot form.
BLING IT ON: Had gear issues first night so genuine forgive, then victim of being pushed back Tuesday night, when clear flashed home for eye-catcher. If gets the right run is good enough to win and should be rated highly.
STAR GALLERIA: Form looks terrible but he’s had no luck either night. Again drew the back row Tuesday night when forced wide and had to tire. Is drawn to sit right on the speed here and might surprise.
Race 8. INTER DOMINION TROTTERS HEAT 6:
SELECTIONS: MAJESTIC MAN 1; Massive Metro 2; Winterfell 3; Big Jack Hammer 4.
MAJESTIC MAN: Has been flying this series, most unlucky opening when charged home late then gave nothing else a chance when dominant winner Tuesday night. This trip suits and will be very strong late. Hard to beat.
MASSIVE METRO: Has been one of the major surprises of this series. Big effort tough run 2nd opening night then no luck charged home late when another good effort Tuesday night. Hard to beat here.
WINTERFELL: Favourite when very tough effort to win here first night, then driver strange decision to hand over the breeze at the bell, never got out. Stewards also queried that decision. Hard to beat in clear air.
BIG JACK HAMMER: Handy Aussie trotter, has raced OK during the series, led and good third first night, then not much luck here Tuesday night. Likely to work forward and might even find the front. Place preferred.
KENNY’S DREAM: Showed enough on the first night to suspect he can be very competitive this class, then from gate one galloped out Tuesday night, forgive. With right luck could get into the placings at big odds.