PACERS
It will be an intriguing Pacers Grand Final as nobody is quite sure who will lead as the mobile gate pulls away and therefore who will win. In saying that, it appears that there are only six realistic chances – they being Galactic Star (1), Im Pats Delight (3), Spankem (5), Tiger Tara (7) San Carlo (8) and Cruz Bromac (9).
Galactic Star has raced extremely well throughout the series, winning at Melton on opening night in 1-54.1 by leading all of the way. His Ballarat third in 1-53.5 after racing wide was excellent, as was his second at Cranbourne last Saturday in 1-58 after breezing from the bell. Im Pats Delight’s runs have been full of merit in all three heats. His opening night second to Spanken in 1-54.3 was full of merit after making a mid-race move, then taking a sit, while his all the way Ballarat victory looked to be a soft success in 1-52.1, as did his second to Cruz Bromac last week in 1-56.5 after receiving the run of the race. His 2.3 metre Kaikoura Cup second to Spankem was strong after racing exposed. Spankem has been the revelation of the series. A 1-54.3 victory on opening night after racing wide from the bell was outstanding, as was his Ballarat third to Wrappers Delight in 1-53.6 when finishing late. At Cranbourne he treated his rivals with contempt after taking over at the bell, winning in a rate of 1-58. His part-owners Phil and Glenys Kennard have shared in the past two Interdom winners Smolda and Lazarus and have a great chance in making it three. Bulldog Tiger Tara can never be under estimated in any race he contests. One only has to watch his nose second to The Fixer in the 3200 metre NZ Cup last month where he raced uncovered for the last half of the journey to give him a major chance. On opening night his third to Spanken in 1-54.3 when flashing home after being held up was excellent, followed by a death-seating second to Wrappers Delight in 1-53.6 at Ballarat and a virtual all the way victory at Cranbourne in 1-57.1. San Carlo has raced well all through the series. Second on the first night to Galactic Star (1-54.1) after racing wide was full of merit, before a most unlucky fifth to Wrappers Delight after being held up until too late. His tough third at Cranbourne to Tiger Tara (1-57.1) after working to race without cover and going down fighting was a strong guide to his chances. Unfortunately all through the series, he has had no luck with the barrier draws. Cruz Bromac is the only runner in this Grand Final to go through the series undefeated. He coasted to victory on opening night in 1-53.8 after taking over just after the bell, raced wide at Ballarat (1-53.5) before proving much too classy and at Cranbourne found the front early in the piece before winning unextended in 1-56.5. For first four players Maximan (6) has to be included, however his barrier makes it hard. Our Uncle Sam (10) flashed home along the sprint lane from three back the markers when second to Tiger Tara , but will probably need a similar trip here and it is hard to knock Wrappers Delight’s efforts in all three heats, but the barrier draw has been unkind to his chances.
TROTTERS
The Trotters Grand Final looks a lot easier with only five horses looking to snare the major prize – they being Speeding Spur (1), Save Our Pennys (3), Tornado Valley (6) and Tough Monarch (9) and Kyvalley Blur (11).
Speeding Spur is a brilliant beginner and possible leader from the pole, however arch rival Tornado Valley was able to cross him from outside the front line at Ballarat when Speeding Spur started from gate five, the pole draw here is a distinct advantage. After leading throughout on opening night in 1-58.7, prior to a game third to Tornado Valley (1-56.1) when racing uncovered, then another all the way victory at Cranbourne in 2-01.3, he looks one of the leading chances. Tornado Valley has hardly put a foot wrong since crossing the Tasman and his form going through the heats undefeated after leading in the majority of each race gives him a great chance. Can he sit outside Speeding Spur? That’s the question most are asking. Save Our Pennys has not put a foot wrong all through the series, finishing second to Tornado Valley on each occasion after receiving the run of the race. Should the two favourites cut at one another, he will be poised ready to strike if the opportunity presents itself. Tough Monarch from his favourable inside second line draw should the emergency come out is the other blow out chance. He looked disappointing at Cranbourne when fourth to Tornado Valley, joining him on the final bend after a sweet one/one trip, but his runs in all heats have been sound. Kyvalley Blur is always a chance in any race he contests, but will need them to go hard to finish his race off. His second to Marcoola in the two mile Dominion Handicap at Addington on Show Day was a great guide to this race. Rough place chances can be given to Monty Python (2) as he should be suited by the journey, Big Jack Hammer (5) despite the horror draw and Kingdom Come (10) a stablemate of Tornado Valley.
