One - albeit sizable - step away from creating history
AUSTRALASIA'S most in-form trainer Jason Grimson is one - albeit sizable - step away from creating history.
Grimson's quest to re-write the record books will be made at Albion Park next weekend when contests the Inter Dominion Final.
Winner of the past two Inter Dominions, Grimson is aiming to become the first trainer to secure the time-honoured Championship in three successive years with different pacers since the series’ inception in 1936.
As it stands, Grimson is just one of three trainers, or partnerships, to win consecutive Finals with different runners.
Triumphant in the Club Menangle-based edition with Boncel Benjamin in 2021, Grimson captured last season's decider at Tabcorp Park Melton with I Cast No Shadow to become part of Inter Dominion folklore with Bob Knight and power couple Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.
Knight was the ground breaker, scoring at Harold Park with Our Maestro in 1988 and in Perth with Jodie’s Babe in 1989.
Purdon and Rasmussen were victorious with Smolda in 2016 and Lazarus in 2017, with both wins recorded at Gloucester Park.
On a side note, former star pacer Captain Sandy is the only campaigner to win two Inter Dominions for different trainers.
Jock Bain prepared Captain Sandy to secure the 1950 series at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds, while Dinny Nolan rejuvenated the retired veteran to capture the 1953 Perth edition.
As for Grimson's attempt at history, the New South Wales-based horseman has two opportunities to achieve the feat having qualified Swayzee and Nerano for the decider.
A struggling restricted class performer before joining Grimson's team, Swayzee has become the southern hemisphere's most improved pacer since the stable switch.
With just one win from his previous dozen starts, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven has won 10 of 12 outings for Grimson, with his victories including a pair of Grand Circuit events - The Blacks A Fake and New Zealand Cup.
Triumphant on the opening night of Inter Dominion heats, Swayzee has finished third and fourth during the second and third rounds.
Racing consistently with eight placings from his last 13 starts, Nerano has struck form at the perfect time.
Runner-up in his first heat, the son of Tintin In America has won his next two qualifiers, including last night.
A rank outsider before the series began, Nerano's quote has plummeted to $6.50 with TAB Fixed Odds, with Swayzee remaining steady at $4.50.
The only unbeaten pacer after three heats, Leap To Fame remains the favourite at $1.60.
Winless since his Inter Dominion crowning moment, I Cast No Shadow - now under the guidance of Darrel Graham - failed to qualify for the Final with three unplaced runs.
