Let's get rolling . . . we preview the first round of Inter Dominion heats at Newcastle

INTER DOMINION PACING HEAT ONE:

RACE THREE:

This is the first heat for the pacers and the David Aiken-trained MAX DELIGHT (3) has the ideal chance to secure the maximum points on offer. The consistent, evergreen eight-year-old is racing in a ‘purple patch’ of form and faces the starter as a last-start Menangle winner. Despite contesting the 1609m Italian Cup from the role outside the leader, Max Delight powered to the line, comfortably defeating Nyack and Don Lou. Three runs back and Max Delight posted a gritty 6.6m 4th to Swayzee in the Victoria Cup, then hit the line strongly from a deep peg role when a closing 7.2m 2nd to Leap To Fame in the Battle of Beersheeba at Menangle. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, both those superstars, Swayzee and Leap To Fame, are missing from the Inter Dominion, so the form of Max Delight becomes very appealing. As a result, the son of Bettors Delight will take a power of beating. Regular driver Nathan Jack will be back in the sulky after Josh Gallagher guided Max Delight to victory last time out. The Jason Grimson-conditioned DISTRICT ATTORNEY (6) has experienced a mixed campaign going into this series, however, the five-year-old has too much ability to take lightly. Runner-up to Catch A Wave in the G1 Len Smith Mile, then an 8.8m 2nd to Major Moth in the Kilmore Cup, the son of Courage Under Fire recorded a moderate 61.4m last to his stablemate Swayzee in the Victoria Cup. A month off and District Attorney enjoyed the one-one when a creditable 8.7m 6th to Max Delight In the Italian Cup. Jack Callaghan returns to take over the reins of the Treuer Memorial winner and from the middle of the line, Callaghan will be looking to lay down the law to his rivals from the outset with District Attorney. The star WA seven-year-old in MINSTREL (1) has drawn ideally in one for Team Bond. To be driven by Deni Roberts, the son of Rocknroll Hanover has had two runs from a spell, improving on his 14m 9th to Mister Smartee in the G2 James Brennan on October 11, with a tough and gritty display in taking out the G1 WA Pacing Cup on November 8, defeating Mister Smartee and Mighty Ronaldo. The draw is a big plus and the seven-year-old crosses the Nullarbor with a higher level of fitness. DON LOU (11) has drawn the second row in following out Max Delight. Following a creditable Queensland campaign, which culminated in a 3.6m 4th to Don Hugo in the Blacks A Fake consolation, Don Lou returned from a spell in comfortably accounting for Cya Art and Nyack at Menangle. The Seaton Grima trained and driven son of Sweet Lou continued the good work with an 8m 3rd to Leap To Fame in the Battle of Beersheba before leading and finishing a determined 4.7m 3rd to Max Delight and Nyack in the Italian Cup. Despite the tricky draw, the five-year-old is bound to give a good account. PERFECT STRIDE (5) has been mixing his form in recent months with the Shane Sanderson-conditioned seven-year-old coming off a 17.2m 4th to Bulletproof Boy at Melton a few weeks ago. He certainly has the talent to be involved in the finish so at least include him when forming multiple transactions. MAGICIAN (7) strips fitter for two runs back, the latter resulting in a 10.6m 7th to Don Lou. The James Rattray trained and driven five-year-old is capable of better and despite his wide draw remains in the mix when it comes to the exotics. I BREAK THE LINE (8) has drawn the outside gate but is racing well enough to be considered by exotic players, along with the Michael Stanley entrant, EXOTIC BUSHRANGER (4).

MAX DELIGHT 1, District Attorney 2, Minstrel 3, Don Lou 4.

INTER DOMINION PACING HEAT TWO:

RACE FOUR:

Heat two for the pacers and the Eureka winner DON HUGO (1) has drawn ideally in one as he looks to open his quest for further glory on a winning note. Heading into the series as one of the popular, pre-post picks, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven son of Art Major has been off the scene since leading throughout in taking out the Eureka in fine fashion, with Bay Of Biscay and High Above chasing home the exciting son of Art Major. That was back on September 7, and following a well-earned holiday, Don Hugo has posted two solid, winning trial efforts, firstly at Goulburn before repeating the effort at Menangle. Don Hugo has contested three races at this venue for a win and two placings, but Luke decided to send Don Hugo to Newcastle last Friday so that the entire could get a feel of the circuit once again, such is the level of professionalism we come to expect from Luke. Due to the draw, it is hard to go past Don Hugo. MACH DAN (9) has drawn to follow out Don Hugo, which will be a plus after the Emma Stewart-trained seven-year-old drew the inside of the back row. The star Victorian has a liking for the Newcastle track, stretching back to 2022 when he finished 3rd to Expensive Ego in a heat of the Inter Dominion. The son of Mach then qualified for the Miracle Mile in 2022 and 2023 after taking out the Newcastle Mile. Following back-to-back Melton wins in August, Mach Dan then finished a determined 2.3m 4th to Catch A Wave in the Len Smith Mile at Menangle before a hat-trick of placings in races won by Leap To Fame, Swayzee and Perfect Class, respectively. There is nothing wrong with the form of Mach Dan and he must be respected. Multiple Group One winner CAPTAINS KNOCK (10) will line up next to the Victorian on the second row, with the star Goulburn entrant remaining a serious threat, despite the early setback. Astutely prepared by Brad Hewitt, who will also handle the driving duties, Captains Knock posted a hat-trick of Menangle wins, the latest another G1 performances in winning the NSWBC 4YO E&G’s title by 16.2m over Oliver Dan and El Camino. Facing the starter for the Italian Cup at Headquarters on November 9, the son of Captaintreacherous worked home stoutly from a midfield role in recording a pleasing 6.8m 4th to Max Delight. Captains Knock will be having his first Newcastle assignment, but he is all class so expect another bold showing. DANGEROUS (7) has drawn wide but the Shane Sanderson-trained son of Sweet Lou is more than capable of making his presence felt. Contesting five races since a spell, the 4yo has been placed on three occasions, the latest being his most recent outing when he worked outside of the leader in finishing a gritty 4.3m 3rd to Surfers Delight at Menangle. Kept fresh for this important challenge by Shane, Dangerous has had the benefit of a recent solid Shepparton trial win over his stablemate Perfect Stride, which goes around in heat one. With the final 800m covered in 55.1, the Victorian is worthy of attention, especially when it comes to the multiples. Drawing suitably in three, the John Justice trained and driven HELLUVA (3) is capable of giving a good account. Following a run of five placings, each time against quality opposition, the son of Mach three then worked when a fading 8.6m last behind Perfect Class in the Caduceus Classic at Melton on November 16. The 6yo hasn’t greeted the judge since mid-May, however, Helluva is a suitable inclusion in multiple transactions. TENZING BROMAC (2) joined his stablemate Minstrel in making the trip from the west coast to the east and after drawing two, the son of Bettors Delight will appreciate his good draw. The 6yo was never a serious factor in the WA Pacing Cup in finishing an 18m 7th to Minstrel. Tenzing Bromac at least warrants attention as an exotic player. Mr Consistency, ARDENS ACE (4) has drawn favorably in four and he is a value chance when it comes to the multiples. Prepared by Tony Bertwistle and to be driven by Will Rixon, the 6yo son of Ardens Ace is likely to be in the mix from the outset. NERANO (8) has drawn the outside gate and has been mixing his form, but the Jason Grimson factor keeps the 7yo in the mix when it comes to the multiples while the consistent NYACK (11), despite the back row, is also a value runner for exotic investors.

DON HUGO 1, Mach Dan 2, Captains Knock 3, Dangerous 4.

INTER DOMINION PACING HEAT THREE:

RACE FIVE:

Heat three and despite the presence of a second row draw, pre-post favourite for the title, CURLY JAMES (10) remains the one to beat. Bouncing back strongly after a disappointing and costly 15.8, 9th to Classie Washington at Menangle on September 14, the 6yo greeted the judge at his next assignment two weeks later before three consecutive placings, commencing with a 4.4m 3rd to Leap To Fame in the Smoken Up Sprint at Melton a month ago. The son of A Rocknroll Dance then finished a solid 4m 2nd to Swayzee in the Victoria Cup before drawing the inside of the back row in the Queensland Cup at Albion Park on November 9. Snookered four back along the markers, Curly James hit the line with intent when clear, resulting in a 3.5m 2nd to Blacksadance. Curly James has again been freshened and is ready to attack this race with plenty of enthusiasm. BLACKSADANCE (2) has drawn ideally in gate two for trainer Chantal Turpin and driver Pete McMullen. Ending his previous term of racing on a winning note at Albion Park on August 24, the classy son of A Rocknroll Dance resumed with a solid-finishing 6.5m 2nd behind Wasa Heat Seeker at Albion Park on November 2, prior to leading in taking out the Queensland Cup, defeating Curly James and Jimartee. From his ideal draw, Blacksadance will have every opportunity to secure a favorable role from the outset and that makes him a serious player. The Isabel Walsh-conditioned CANTFINDABETTORMAN (4) has also drawn suitably in four and with the master Chris Alford in the sulky, the 5yo is poised for a competitive performance. Formerly with Luke McCarthy, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou has been a consistent performer of late, resulting in three wins from his past four trips to races. An astute drive by Chris in the 4&5YO Championship at Melton on November 2, resulted in Cantfindabettorman overcoming a back row draw in working to find the front, then the winning post, in defeating Perfect Class and Young Bluey. Both second and third and been successful since. Expect another competitive showing from the Victorian. ZEUSS BROMAC (1) has won two of his three starts at this venue and with the benefit of two, pleasing runs since a spell, and gate one the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 7yo is capable of a cheeky display at odds. Spelled after scoring here back on April 12, the son of Bettors Delight resumed with a 10.2m 3rd to Jilliby Nitro before working home stoutly when a 1.7m 3rd behind Don Lou and Petes Said So at Menangle two weeks ago. This will be a tougher test but he is a suitable exotic runner. STAR MAJOR (3) again worked and again fought on stoutly when a neck 3rd to South Coast Arden and Ardens Ace at Menangle last week. Drawing suitably, the James Rattray trained and driven 8yo is bound to again be in the mix for a long way. The intriguing runner is the Kiwi TACT MCLEOD (8), which has drawn the outside gate on the front line. Prepared by Mark Jones and to be driven by Anthony Butt, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou makes the trip across the Tasman on the back of three unplaced efforts, but in elite events. Seventh to Swayzee in the NZ Trotters Cup, Tact McLeod then posted a 5th to Its Merlin in the 1980m FFA at Addington three days later. Prior to those efforts the gelding had won three of his previous four since resuming. Tact McLeod, despite the tricky draw, can’t be taken lightly when looking at forming multiple investments. JIMARTEE (9) and PETE SAID SO (11) will both launch their claims from the back row; however, they also have claims when it comes to the exotics.

CURLY JAMES 1, Blacksadance 2, Cantfindabettorman 3, Zeuss Bromac 4.

INTER DOMINION TROTTING HEAT ONE:

RACE SIX:

The trotters now take centre stage and this heat promises to be an outstanding contest, courtesy of THE LOCOMOTIVE (5) and LONDON TO A BRICK (5) going head-to-head in what could be a pointer to the Final. And, adding to the intrigue, the exciting duo have drawn side-by-side. It has been ‘full steam ahead’ for THE LOCOMOTIVE (4), firstly when under the guidance of Wayne Potter in Victoria, then with Brad Hewitt, with the pair posting two effortless wins at Menangle, resulting in the son of Muscle Mass stretching his winning sequence to four. Leading throughout in scoring by 23.4m at Menangle a few weeks ago, the 4yo was again untroubled when he dictated the terms in defeating Toro Stride and Sunny Gee. Boasting 18 wins and five placings from his 31 starts, The Locomotive has always been touted as a future star of the trotting ranks and it would appear that he is definitely heading in the right direction. From his ideal starting role, Brad will again target the lead role and from that point inwards, the tracks will be cleared in readiness for another winning performance by The Locomotive. The James Rattray-trained and driven LONDON TO A BRICK (5) is a serious threat and on his day, there is little between these outstanding 4yo’s. The son of Bettors Delight came of age during his Queensland campaign, with the gelding heading back home after a gallant display in taking out the G1 Queensland Trotters Cup over Adelle and Mufasa Metro on July 27. With the benefit of a solid trial, London To A Brick resumed at Menangle on November 2, but after working, faded to finish a 28.8m 4th to The Locomotive. Back to the trials and London To A Brick posted a big win and looked sharp in doing so, indicating he was ready to commence his charge towards this series with renewed confidence. HARRY STAMPER (3) has always been mentioned in glowing terms by his mentor Joe Pace and with the booking of Luke McCarthy, the Victorian is capable of making his presence felt, especially after drawing well. The son of Majestic Son has been mixing his form of late, but a last-start 7.3m 2nd to Mufasa Metro in the Haras Des Trotteurs Cup at Melton a couple of weeks ago was a pleasing effort. Harry Stamper has the opportunity to obtain a suitable run close to the action, and that will certainly enhance his claims of being involved in the finish. Another Victorian in KEAYANG CHUCKY (10) has drawn the back row but remains a suitable addition to exotic investments. After recording back-to-back wins at Melton, the Paddy Lee-trained son of Love You missed the hat-trick but was game in finishing an 8.5m 4th to Mufasa Metro a couple of weeks ago after doing plenty of extra work after drawing wide. The 5yo will be driven by Will Rixon, who is driving in superb fashion, so expect another competitive showing from the chestnut. PLYMOUTH CHUBB (9) strips fitter following three runs back from a spell, the latest when a 12.9m 6th to Mufasa Metro at Melton. Prepared by one of the best in the business, Peter Manning, the 5yo has had a checked career but there is no doubting his outstanding ability when at his best. The Victorian, who will be driven by Nathan Jack, is entitled to be included in multiple combinations. KEAYANG STUKA (2) and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (6) have been mixing their form but wouldn’t be out of place when it comes to exotic investments.

THE LOCOMOTIVE 1, London To A Brick 2, Harry Stamper 3, Keayang Chucky 4.

INTER DOMINION TROTTING HEAT TWO:

RACE SEVEN:

Heat two for the trotters and the John Justice trained and driven MUFASA METRO (6) has the chance to secure plenty of points after drawing well. The consistent son of Father Patrick has enjoyed a consistent season, having posted three wins and nine placings from his 17 starts. Following a number of minor placings, Mufasa Metro will head into this important, next chapter of his career, with plenty of confidence after recording wins in each of his past two starts. Leading throughout in defeating Queen Elida and Jazspur, the 6yo again dictated the terms in proving too good for Harry Stamper and Queen Elida in the Haras Des Trotteurs G2 Grand Prix, courtesy of an astute drive by Ewa Justice. John will no doubt head straight towards the pointy end of proceedings in the hope of dictating the terms. Such a role will result in Mufasa Metro taking a power of beating. Prepared by Brent Lilley and to be driven by Chris Alford, QUEEN ELIDA (5) must be given plenty of attention as the mare is rarely far away when the judge calls a halt. Boasting a 47% winning strike rate after 73 engagements, plus 27 minor placings, the daughter of Love You can never be taken lightly. Just four runs back and Queen Elida managed to finish a determined 4.5m 4th to Just Believe. The mare has been placed behind Mufasa Metro in her past two encounters, posting a head 2nd and a 7.9m 3rd, respectively, the latter when she started favourite in the Haras Des Trotteurs Grand Prix. Drawing one spot better than her fellow Victorian, Queen Elida will be prominently placed from the outset and she is more than capable of turning the tables on Mufasa Bart. Despite drawing awkwardly on the inside of the back row, the Jason Grimson-conditioned ROYAL DAN (9) warrants respect. The 5yo enjoyed a solid Queensland campaign, with a win and a 4.9m 2nd to Gus back on June 28. The 5yo son of Orlando Vici headed back to Albion Park on November 9, successfully posting a stylish win over Zealous Spur and Victree Hill in the Trot Spring Sprint. CONSTANTINOPLE (10) will also launch his claim from the back row, but it is hard to ignore the talented son of Trixton. Prepared by Luke McCarthy, the 7yo has been off the scene since a 120m last to London To A Brick in the Qld Trotters Cup at Albion park back in late July. Constantinople is a lot better than that run would suggest and with the benefit of trial wins at Goulburn and Menangle, respectively, Luke has his star trotter ready to show his true worth. Another southern state visitor in ALDEBRAN VERA (7), despite drawing a shade deeper, is also entitled to respect. The 5yo daughter of Trixton has won her past couple at Melton, the latter a week ago when she defeated Shes Ruby Roo and rapid return after working to find the lead. A member of the successful Marg Lee team, the 5yo is another fine drive for Will Rixon. PARISIAN ARTISTE (2) has been posting solid efforts of late for trainer Alex Ashwood and with gate two being a big plus, the 6yo son of Love You is a definite exotic inclusion. Tayla French, who has been in the sulky, will again handle the driving duties so expect Parisian Artiste to receive every chance.

MUFASA METRO 1, Queen Elida 2, Royal Dan 3, Constantinople 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS