Kiwis make Inter-Dom final

Both Kiwi raiders have qualified for the $1.1 million Perth Inter Dominion final after a dramatic last round of qualifying heats at Gloucester Park last night. 

Smolda found his way to the front when main danger Simply Susational broke at the start and trainer-driver Mark Purdon was then able to dictate terms.  

Purdon pinched a cosy 60.9sec middle half then ripped home in the quickest closing splits of the night – 55.5 and 27.3sec – to easily hold-off brave placegetters Beaudiene Boaz and Bling It On.  

It was a vastly different story with the luckless Franco Nelson, who looked like missing the final when he was buried in traffic then stormed home late for fifth to Run Oneover in his heat last night. 

Caretaker trainer-dri ver Dexter Dunn looked ashen-faced after the race, fearing he didn’t earn enough points. 

“I got to fourth, but ran out of room an Cyamach nabbed me on the line so I ran fifth. I think I’m in trouble,” he said. 

Huge relief came just 25 minutes later when the two horses vying for the last spot in the final with Franco Nelson – Simply Susational and Ultimate Art – both failed to earn enough points to nudge the Kiwi out of the big dance. 

Simply Susational broke at the start and lost all hope, while Ultimate Art charged home from a hopeless position to finish fifth. He needed to finish top three. 

“Phew,” Dunn said. “I’m absolutely rapt he’s made it through. I really feared he was going to miss out, but he hit the line well in his heat and he’s come through it really, too. 

“The owners sent him a long way and really hoped he would make the final. I’m thrilled for them. 

“The final is going to be tough so we’re really going to need some luck in the barrier draw.” 

That barrier draw is tomorrow (Sunday). 

Purdon was as much relieved as anything after Smolda’s return to winning form. 

“He finally drew well and the race changed in the space of 100m when Simply Susational galloped. Luckily I had enough speed to push through and get the front,” he said. 

“Those first two hard heat runs had taken a bit out of him so to get an easier run and win is a real help. 

“He’s run three great races in the heats. He’s so honest and now we have a week to freshen him right up again for the final.” 

It was a big night for Purdon with two wins and a luckless second from his three starters at Gloucester Park. 

Mr Mojito worked to the lead, star-gazed at the times, but easily won the Group 2 4YO Championship, while A Piccadilly Princess was stuck in a pocket and flew home late for second to Ideal Alice in the mare’s feature. 

Both Mr Mojito and A Piccadilly Princess have Group 1 targets at next Friday night's Grand Final meeting. 

  

GRAND FINAL FIELD 

(barrier draw Sunday 8pm NZ time) 

Hectorjayjay 

Lennytheshark 

Run Oneover 

Smolda 

Bling It On 

John Of Arc 

Beaudiene Boaz 

Bettors Fire 

Our Jericho 

Franco Nelson 

The Bucket List (1st emerg) 

Our Jimmy Johnstone (2nd emerg) 

 

Adam Hamilton