3 April, 2003
Victoria is set to boast a quarter of the
finalists in the $500,000 Thunder Down Under Inter Dominion on Friday week, 12
April.
Barring a miracle, Victoria's three lone entrants in
the Christchurch series – Shakamaker (pictured), Mont Denver Gold and
Western Light - will cement their berths in tomorrow night's third and final
round of heats.
With the trio second, third and fifth on the current
points table, they could effectively finish last in their remaining qualifier
and still progress to harness racing's most prestigious event.
Despite what some see as an awkward draw in the pole,
Carlton Draught Hunter Cup champion Mont Denver Gold is well poised to sprint
lane and win his second heat of the series on the spacious Addington track.
Rated the $5 second favourite for the final by TAB
Sportsbet, the Barry Alford-trained, Chris Alford-driven speedster clashes
tomorrow night with noted Kiwi rockets Sly Flyin (2) and Star And Stripes (3)
over the short 1950 metre trip.
Terang's favourite son Western
Light, without doubt
the find of the series, will start from barrier four in the same qualifier.
From there popular trainer-driver Neville Clarke is likely to enjoy an
economical trip before unleashing his trademark finishing burst.
Earlier in the program, cult hero Shakamaker must
overcome an awkward second row draw (11) in the weakest of the three heats, but
two scratchings and the promise of early speed looks set to play into John
Justice's hands.
Western Australian stayer Baltic Eagle retains
favouritism with TAB Sportsbet for the final at $2.85, followed by Mont Denver
Gold ($5), Facta Non Verba ($7) and Shakamaker ($10). Western Light appeals at
an attractive $23 quote.
A reminder that SKY Channel will cover all five Inter
Dominion heats from Addington tomorrow along with the New Zealand Derby.
Visit
the Inter Dominion Home Page for more:
www.harness.org.au/inter
