Race 4. TAB INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 3):
MAORI LAW: Lead-in form to this series was very solid, ran big race opening night behind Speeding Spur is hot form. Horrible draw here is the real concern, but with any luck at all he’s the one to beat.
MONTY PYTHON: Kiwi, ran OK in the G1 Dominion before coming to Melbourne. Strong effort when 4th to Speeding Spur first night. Back row draw is no help but he will be very strong late.
FABRICATION: Short-course horse, this ideal. Not disgraced first night when seventh to Tornado Valley from horror draw. Perfect gate here, can run very well.
WILMAS MATE: Former top class Kiwi trotter, has been struggling to find best form. Had cosy run but pulled hard mid-race first night when battled late. Fitter and could be a major improver.
KYVALLEY BLUR: Veteran but still highly competitive. Big run second in G1 Dominion in NZ before below par run 8th Tornado Valley first night. Run queried. Watch very closely, winning chance if over any issues.
Race 5: TAB INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 4):
SPEEDING SPUR: Kiwi champ, led from gate two and won for fun first night. Short course here ideal, will work forward and find the front and he’s the one to beat.
TORNADO VALLEY: Australia’s best trotter won 14 of 16 since coming here. Led and very tough, as usual, when won first night. Also work forward, likely sit parked, the danger of course.
SAVE OUR PENNYS: Big run first night when worked forward first leader, took cover and battled on strongly for second to Speeding Spur. Again has ideal gate for cheap run. Can be placed again.
TOUGH MONARCH: NSW trotter, was fabulous run first night when very tough third Tornado Valley when sitting parked last lap. Will be strong late and worth at least a place ticket.
ROMPERS MONARCHY: NSW trotter came into series with multiple wins Menangle and Melton, ran big race first night when third Speeding Spur, strong late. Respect despite awkward gate.
Race 6: INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 4).
SAN CARLO: Rising star, came into series with some hot form, ran huge race opening night around field parked last 1200m, just missed. Go forward here and control race. Good value.
WRAPPERS DELIGHT: Speed horse, drawn for perfect trip here. Had ideal trip first night when creditable 5th Spankem. Likely leader and very tough to hold out.
SPANKEM: Member of the all-conquering Purdon/Rasmussen team in NZ, around field, parked and too good on opening night when stunning winner. Drawn OK again, hard to stop.
MAXIMAN: Veteran but racing in career best form in this stable. Big run first night when tough third Cruz Bromac and draws to follow the speed here. Strong place claims.
TIGER TARA: Star performer, no luck first night badly held up crucial stage, out late and flashed home. Horror gate here over the short course but he’s far too good to leave out. Can win.
Race 7: INTER DOMINION PACERS CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 5).
IM PATS DELIGHT: Kiwi 4YO, came into series with some very serious form and backed that up with huge run first night when second Spankem after drawing the back row. Gets right gate and right race.
IM THE BOSS: Brilliant gate speed horse, might be the first leader which makes him highly competitive over short course. OK run first night behind Galactic Star. Value runner.
FRANCO NELSON: Big reputation horse was slightly disappointing first night when close-up 7th Galactic Star. Fitter, good gate, could be a big improver tonight so rate highly.
CASH N FLOW: Drew gate one and followed the leader and winner opening night. Had perfect trip but still ran well. Wide draw an issue here, place best but still very competitive.
CANT REFUSE: Good run when 5th behind Galactic Star opening night. Draws to follow the pegs here with outsider in front of him could be an issue late. Respect if gets clear air late.
Race 8: INTER DOMINION PACERS CHAMPIONSHIP (Heat 6).
CRUZ BROMAC: NZ FFA winner coming in was brilliant form, led throughout and won for run first night in fastest heat. Back row an issue but he’s clearly the best horse here.
MACH DORO: Very fast horse off the arm, might be first leader and will take cover. Good run first night when third Galactic Star after leading early. Likely to get a perfect run here.
MATTGREGOR: Speed horse, likely to work forward and might even find himself in front. Was a 1:50.6 winner Menangle a few runs back. Good miler and not the roughest.
GALACTIC STAR: Goes best when able to lead as he did when a brave winner on first night. Bad draw here but he’s obviously in good form and will be strong late.
AUDI HARE: Another high speed pacer well drawn here. Did a good job first night when fifth to Cruz Bromac. Likely to get a good trip here and he has a chance on best form over the short course.
