Green and Williamson lead Kiwi charge at Interdoms

By Adam Hamilton

Two trainers carry the hopes of any Kiwi flavour in the Inter Dominions in Brisbane during December.

Numbers were strong when nominations closed with 107 pacers and 70 trotters paid-up for, but just four of them are based in New Zealand.

Star trotter Muscle Mountain was $4 in early markets for the trotting final, but was not nominated.

Ray Green nominated dual NZ Cup hero Copy That and stablemate Simply Sam in the pacing series and Phil Williamson’s pair Love N The Port and veteran Majestic Man were the only two New Zealand trotters nominated.

Queensland had hoped for some All Stars representation, but co-trainer Nathan Purdon said the timing and changes to racing calendars in Australia and NZ didn’t suit.

NSW trainer Jason Grimson, winner of the past two pacing finals with Boncel Benjamin and I Cast No Shadow, has eight pacers nominated for Queensland, headed by Blacks A Fake winner Swayzee. The others are Abouttime, Betterzippit, Bubba Scrub, Fire Fox, Hi Manameisjeff, Ideal Dan and Nerano.

Champion Victorian trainer Emma Stewart leads the way with 10 pacing nominations. They are Act Now, Amore Vita, Beyond Delight, Encipher,Honolua Bay, Hurricane Harley, Ladies In Red, Mach Dan, Narutac Prince and Treachery.

Local pin-up pacer Leap To Fame is a commanding pre post pacing favourite at $2 for trainer-driver Grant Dixon.

Dixon will decide late this week whether Leap To Fame’s preparation will include a trip to Melton for the Group 1 Victoria Cup on October 14.

Mick Stanley’s rejuvenated star Rock N Roll Doo, who tackles Friday night’s Group 1 Kilmore Cup before the Victoria Cup, is $7 secondfavourite in early Inter Dominion pacing final markets.

With no Muscle Mountain, defending champion Just Believe is $2.80 prepost favourite for the trotting final.

He’s been specifically set for the series by Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars since returning from his three-race Swedish campaign mid-year.

Star NZ-owned mare Queen Elida is $5 second elect for trainer Brent Lilley.

Rowe Cup champion Love N The Port is a $9 shot and Majestic Man is $51.