Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column.
Kiwi update on ID2025
With only six weeks until the first round of rapidly approaching Inter Dominion heats, here is the latest on the Kiwi contingent after the second rankings were released.
A total of 24 trotters (two heats of 12) will contest the trotter’s series, with 36 pacers making the cut for the first round of qualifiers on July 5.
Pacers :
Republican Party – ranked 3rd
Despite being the highest ranked New Zealand representative, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the four-time Group 1 winner will make his second trip across the Tasman for 2025. His nomination remains, although a tilt at another New Zealand Cup after his third placing last year is looking to take precedence.
Stablemate and star 2YO Fugitive is under watch for slot holders in the Protostar at Albion Park, Brisbane on July 12 though, with the colt lining up tonight (Friday) at Addington and in next Fridays Group One Welcome Stakes, as opportunities to show his talent.
Pinseeker ranked 21st
All plans are now penciled in for Pinseeker to make his international debut. Safely through next week’s Hydroflow NZ Country Championship Final, the lightly-raced five-year-old is booked to fly to Sydney on Tuesday, June 17. A suitable race on June 21 at Menangle is then likely before making his way to be based at the new establishment of N40 Racing in Queensland, with Jonny Cox set to partner his star throughout.
Beach Ball ranked 43rd
Former New Zealand Cup placegetter Beach Ball is set to become a stablemate of defending Inter Dominion Champion Don Hugo when he joins the Luke McCarthy barn. Touted to arrive on Australian soil on Sunday, he will be set towards Brisbane in July, providing he can perform to improve his rating.
Trotters :
Bet N Win ranked 3rd
Post his superb Rowe Cup victory, Bet N Win was able to enjoy a week in the paddock before heading to the beach for a freshen. “All reports are that he is feeling very well!” said co-trainer Stacey White. He is also touted to fly to Sydney mid-June, with options for his run in lead up still being worked through and a preference to having one start a fortnight out from July 5.
Oscar Bonavena ranked 4th
Despite a frustrating campaign, Oscar Bonavena is set to stamp his passport once again in search of Inter Dominion glory. Last seen when sixth in the Rowe Cup, he has had a freshen subsequently and looks set to contest the series.
Chase A Dream will trial on Tuesday with the result of that outing the deciding factor on whether he also heads across, while Rubira is also set to trial next week before heading to Queensland early within the next three weeks.
Te Rapa and Eurokash ranked 30th and 34th respectively
Right on the cusp of making the cut for Inter Dominion campaigns, the former Hope pair have already made their way to Queensland, joining local trainer Graham Dwyer.
“While we are targeting them towards the series, they both fit nicely into the Queensland grading system and will stay on regardless,” said Dwyer.
Dwyer recently campaigned his own talented trotter Not As Promised in the North Island and saw it a great learning and networking experience despite the racetrack results not going to plan.
“Taking on these two trotters seemed a good opportunity to start up a relationship with the connections with a view to hopefully more of these types joining the stable”.
“They are both ready to trial once their Australian clearances come through.”
Castana and Taylad To Use ranked 51st and 52nd respectively
The David and Clare McGowan pair of Castana and Taylad To Use find themselves down the rankings but could easily see themselves in contention with an upcoming victory. Taylad To Use is set to join the stables of Grant and Trista Dixon shortly, alongside Captains Mistress who is on loan to the trainers of superstar Leap To Fame for the duration of the Constellations Carnival.
