by Adam Hamilton
The first 200m will go a long way to deciding young Kiwi star Bet N Win’s winning chances next Saturday night’s $500,000 Inter Dominion trotting final.
Bet N Win drew well in gate five and will move even closer into four if emergency Sir Fahrenheit doesn’t gain a start, but his main danger Arcee Phoenix drew even better in barrier one.
All eyes will be on the start and whether trainer-driver Chris Svanosio can muster enough early speed on Arcee Phoenix to hold the lead.
In contrast, Bob Butt will be charging out as quickly as he can aboard Bet N Win in search of the lead.
While leading isn’t everything, around Albion Park it’s a huge advantage.
“Bob will come out and have a look at the start, but I doubt he’ll have enough speed to get across. We’ve got to have a look,” Bet N Win’s co-trainer David White said.
“It’s a balance. You can’t afford to burn too much at the start especially over a long trip (3157m) like this.
“We’d love to be in front because the whole series has shown how hard it is to be off the pegs. Arcee Phoenix and Gus have gone enormous both weeks and not won.”
Arcee Phoenix firmed from $4 to $2.50 after the draw, while Bet N Win eased froom $2.50 to $3.50.
The other Kiwi trotting finalist, Oscar Bonavena landed gate 12 after being ruled out of the draw following another gallop in his second round heat.
“It’s a good thing. He seems to make his mistakes when he’s off the front,” co-trainer Nathan Purdon said.
“We thrilled he managed to sneak into the final and we know he’s good enough to be right in the finish if he gets it all right.”
In the pacing final, not even the worst possible barrier draw should stop champion pacer Leap To Fame from winning a second Inter Dominion title.
Trainer-driver Grant Dixon initially shook his head in disbelief when Leap To Fame drew gate one, after having barrier eight (inside the back row) in both qualifying heats.
“Most horses would love the pole, but it’s the one draw we didn’t want,” he said.
That’s because Leap To Fame has only average early gate speed and, if he’s crossed at the start, traffic and luck in running becomes a potential issue in the $1 million race.
But Dixon’s initial look at the rivals drawn on the front row, eased his frustration somewhat.
“It’s not a really fast front row. There’s nothing explosive, who looks certain to get across us,” he said.
“I think we’re a chance to hold up and lead. That’s what I’ll be trying to do anyway.
“At least it’s a real staying race (3157m) so if he is crossed, we’ve got plenty of time to find some clear air.”
Leap To Fame will start the shortest priced Inter Dominion favourite in history, but did ease from $1.10 to $1.25 after drawing the pole.
The six-year-old hasn’t been beaten at Albion Park since November 4, 2023. He’s won 20 successive races at the track since.
Just as he did in the 2023 Brisbane Inter Dominion, Leap To Fame is aiming for a clean sweep after winning all his qualifying heats.
Leap To Fame missed last year’s Sydney Inter Dominion through illness, which paved the way for Don Hugo to win.
Don Hugo then upset Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile on March 8, but Leap To Fame has beaten him in all three other clashes, including last Saturday night’s heat when Don Hugo had torrid run and tired for seventh.
Don Hugo has gate six and loads of early speed, but will trainer-driver Luke McCarthy dare to unleash him over an untried marathon distance?
Leap To Fame is one of three finalists for Dixon. His wife Trista will drive Aroda (gate 13) and Jack Chapple will partner Tims A Trooper (gate eight).
Queensland trainer Shannon Price said “ask me Thursday” who stable driver Adam Sanderson will partner out of Speak The Truth (gate three) and Sure Thing Captain (12).
Menangle trainers Kerry Ann and Robbie Morris also have two runners, Cya Art (gate four) and old marvel Petes Said So, who will contest his fourth consecutive Grand Final at his 215th start.
Victorian star Catch A Wave drew outside the front (gate seven) and is a $21 shot.
GRAND FINAL DRAWS
PACERS
Front row: Leap To Fame, Rakero Rebel, Speak The Truth, Cya Art, Petes Said So, Don Hugo, Catch A Wave.
Back row: Nyack (E1), Captains Knock, Tims A Trooper, Max Delight, Sure Thing Captain, Aroda.
TROTTERS:
Front row: Arcee Phoenix, Love Gun, Sir Fahrenheit (E1), Parisian Artiste, Bet N Win, Not As Promised, Golden Sunset.
Back row: Constantinople, Harry Stamper, Zealous Spur, London To A Brick, Oscar Bonavena, Gus.