Despite the lack of sleep I bounced out of bed in the morning

WITH two of four runs out of the way, Ross Graham is handling the busy schedule like a seasoned veteran.

Arguably the toughest campaign in the southern hemisphere, the Inter Dominion's three heats in a week followed by a Final seven days later is designed to be a true test of equine and trainer.

Add extra travel to country tracks and the Championship is a gruelling expedition to undertake.

Thanks to Nephew Of Sonoko's success during last night's second round in Shepparton, Graham isn't feeling any effects from the ordeal.

"It was a long day, we got home about 1:30 am," Graham said. "Despite the lack of sleep I bounced out of bed in the morning.

"Makes it a lot easier to get out of bed when you've won an Inter Dominion heat."

Driven by James Herbertson, Nephew Of Sonoko led throughout from barrier four to complete a short half-head win from Bolt For Brilliance.

In a 'blanket' finish, Always Ready was a neck away third.

"It got close on the line, but he battled away well," Graham said. "I thought he did well on the first night and was pleased with his run again."

Rating 1:57 over 1690 metres, Nephew Of Sonoko's time was the equal fastest with Queen Elida, while Just Believe was seven-tenths of a second slower.