The 2015/16 Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters commences this Friday.
Since the Grand Circuit started for the trotters back in 1999, names like Lyell Creek, La Coocaracha, Take A Moment, A Touch Of Flair, One Over Kenny, Sundons Gift and I Can Doosit among others have all displayed their power and poise to claim the top award.
The time honoured Gr.1 $250,000 Hellers Dominion at Addington in Christchurch kicks off the new season of high quality trotting action and the big guns are ready to fire.
Stent, a dual Trotting Master champion, is looking to add the last remaining feature race trophy to his bulging CV after collecting everything else throughout the southern hemisphere during the past two seasons.
Prepared by husband and wife partnership of popular Cantabrians, Colin and Julie DeFilippi, the Dream Vacation gelding dominated last season winning 13 of his 19 starts while banking more than $600,000 in stakes.
Feature race victories include the Rowe Cup, NZ Trotting Championship, Cambridge Flying Stakes, Cambridge Flying Mile (x 2), Lyell Creek Stakes, NZ Trotting FFA, Ashburton Flying Mile, Kaikoura FFA, Great Southern Star, Grand Prix (x 2), The Knight Pistol and many others.
On two previous trips to Addington for the Dominion, Stent finished third two years ago behind Master Lavros while last season he finished sixth behind Jaccka Justy after winning the NZ Trotting FFA four days earlier.
This year, connections deliberately bypassed the Tuesday feature with the sole focus being placed on the winning the Dominion.
And his form this season looks every bit as good as last season including his last start impressive victory at Kaikoura on November 2.
The 3200m stand start feature has attracted a quality field of 15 trotters including 2013 Dominion champion Master Lavros, the giant gelding makes strong appeal in the staying feature for his skillful trainer/driver Mark Jones.
Rejuvenated trotter One Ova Da Moon continues to hold form and despite a poor barrier position, he’s expected to command plenty of respect while fellow North Island trained trotter Prime Power will also have plenty of supporters.
Capable performers Springbank Sam, Valmagne, Sheemon, Alley Way and Jag’s Invasion all boast the right credentials and can test the heavily fancied Stent.
Former European Daryl Boko made a break in ‘downunder’ debut on Tuesday and must be given another chance while Uncas and Harrysul are looking to spoil the party despite their long odds.
The catch cry of ‘Girl Power’ has been mentioned frequently in recent weeks owing to the deeds of Michelle Payne (Melbourne Cup – Prince Of Penzance) followed by Kerryn Manning (New Zealand Cup – Arden Rooney) and that trend could continue with a trio of fine trotting ladies engaged.
Classy mares Quite A Moment, Habibti and Kincaslough are all very capable of testing their male rivals.
The Dominion will be staged as race 9 and will be run at 4.22pm local time.
