A look at the Inter Dominion

THIS year’s Perth Inter Dominion is one of the best and strongest in modern history.

It has it all with NZ’s megastar Lazarus being reunited with evergreen Victorian champion Lennytheshark along with a couple of seriously talented local WA stars in Soho Tribeca and Chicago Bull.

And that’s just the biggest names.

It all starts at Perth’s Gloucester Park on Friday night and ADAM HAMILTON gives his overview.

WHEN/WHERE:

Friday, November 24: Round 1 heats (Gloucester Park)

Tuesday, November 28: Round 2 heats (Bunbury)

Friday, December 1: Round 3 heats (Gloucester Park)

Friday, December 8: Grand Final night (Gloucester Park)

 

HAMILTON’S BIG TWO

1. LAZARUS: Simply has to be the top seed and clear favourite. He’s the best horse in this part of the world and looks to have comeback at least as good, if not better than last year. Smolda won last year’s final and Lazarus is at least a couple of lengths superior. Only queries are how he handles Perth’s heat, the smaller track and frantic style of racing. We will know a lot more after his first heat from the outside draw on Friday. The 2900m of the final plays to his staying prowess.
2. LENNYTHESHARK: A couple of months back I had my queries about the old guy, who won the final here two years ago. But the way he’s comeback this season with three wins from as many starts has been outstanding. You’ve got to respect David Aiken and Chris Alford when they insist he’s as good as ever. Been here, done it before and drawn for soft opening round heat win. Providing he stays injury free he will be mighty hard to beat.

 

THE LOCALS

1. SOHO TRIBECA: There is a battle within the series for top seed among the locals between this guy and Chicago Bull. Opinions vary, not only on the pecking order but as to whether they can step-up and match Lazarus and Lenny. This fella has been a relevation. His recent runs in defeat have been out of this world. He’s tough, has gate speed and loves the track. Give him a good draw (as he against Lazarus on night one) and he can win the whole thing.
2. CHICAGO BULL: Such a gifted and brilliant pacer. You don’t want him getting into any wars, but give him a sit and save him for that brilliance at the finish and he can beat any horse. Drawn to lead and win his first heat on Friday. Also gets around Gloucester Park like he born for it. Don’t sell him short.

 

THE SMOKIES

1. SAN CARLO: There’s just some serious X-factor about this lightly-raced Victorian. Sure he’s been well-placed, but you don’t win 20 of 24 starts unless you’re a bit special. Turned heads with luckless and ripper sixth in Victoria Cup. More importantly, showed crucial new string to his bow with blazing gate speed to lead and easily win Maryborough Cup last time. Can make the final and give cheek in it with good draw.
2. MOTU PREMIER: Has really impressed since switching from the All Stars’ barn to local WA trainer Ross Olivieri. 10 starts in WA for six wins, three seconds and a third. The placings have all been outstanding runs. Tough, on the rise and shown enough to say he’ll make the final and be a place hope.

 

THE SIDE DISHES

1. 4YO RACES: Didn’t Ultimate Machete make his mark with that stunning NZ FFA win against open-class last Friday. Drops back to racing his own age and you’d think it will be a walk in the park. Maybe it will be, but I’ve seen some big names go and struggle with the frantic style of racing around the little Gloucester Park track. Locals like Herrick Roosevelt, Im Rockaria, Rocknroll Lincoln and Victorian visitors Motu Meteor and Wrappers Delight will make Ultimate Machete earn things.
2. MARES’ RACES: Who should be top seed? Ameretto or A Piccadilly Princess? And then there is the support cast with the likes of Carlas Pixel, Major Reality, Eden Franco, Ideal Alice and others. I’m in the Ameretto corner. Her only defeat in past 10 starts was a second to Lennytheshark in the Victoria Cup. A Piccadilly Princess disappointed slightly in the NZ Cup, but didn’t seem to run out the 3200m. Barrier draws will be so important.

 

Adam Hamilton