If you’re searching for the last Australian trained winner of the Dominion, look far and wide!
In fact, go back as far as 1983 and you will find the name of Scotch Notch, the champion mare prepared by master horseman Graeme Lang who headed across the ditch and beat the Kiwis at their own game and in their own backyard.
Since then, many have tried to achieve the same feat but come up short.
In fact, last year the recently retired veteran Kyvalley Blur gave it a good shot when a runner-up behind the runaway ‘freight train’ that is Marcoola.
Now, the Aussie’s are back for another crack at the South Island feature.
The Gr.1 $300,000 Airpark Canterbury Dominion Handicap at Addington launches the 2019/20 Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters and as per normal, it’s attracted a star studded line-up of 18 (3 emergencies included) trotters for the 3200m stand start classic.
And fresh from their success on Tuesday (Cup Day) with a one/two result in the Gr.1 $100,000 Trotting Free-For-All, the Australian trained duo of Tough Monarch and McLovin are rated as serious winning chances again.
Tough Monarch, born and reared in Queensland, trained in Sydney and a grand-son of 1986 Dominion winner Tussle looms as the horse to beat following his stylish display four days ago.
Trainer Rickie Alchin engaged the services of champion reinsman Anthony Butt for his New Zealand campaign and the skillful tactician produced a masterclass on Tuesday and looks for his 10th victory in the Dominion.
Yes, the former Cantabrian has won the famed event nine times previously (Simon Katz, Lyell Creek x 3, Take A Moment x 3, Mountbatten and Vulcan) and clearly holds the record but he’s keen to extend on that number and reach double figures.
Inter Dominion winning trainer Andy Gath returns with former Christchurch performer McLovin, a revelation since being under the tutelage of the Victorian based mentor where he has amassed 10 victories from 16 starts.
His effort in defeat on Tuesday was very solid and the extra distance of the Dominion should only assist.
While the Australian contingent is very strong and high on confidence, they face formidable opponents in defending champion Marcoola and rising star Oscar Bonavena.
Connections of both trotters deliberately bypassed Tuesday’s race in preference for the Dominion.
Trainer Ken Ford, who has won the past two editions, will again be represented by Marcoola and Amaretto Sun.
Marcoola has returned in excellent form this campaign highlighted by his Ashburton Flying Mile demolition last start while Oscar Bonavena continues to build on his very impressive record of nine wins from 12 starts.
Oscar Bonavena is unbeaten in five starts this campaign.
Brilliant horseman Paul Nairn, a dual winner of the event (Call Me Now & Stig) will be represented by classy type Habibi Inta and looks a legitimate contender following his last start victory at Kaikoura.
Trainer Phil Williamson is chasing another victory in the Dominion following the success of Springbank Richard back in 2009, this year he has veteran Monty Python and the exciting Majestic Man representing his stable.
Leading trainer Robert Dunn is missing his best trotter in Sundees Son but he is still duly represented by Valloria and Woodstone.
Other local trotters Didjabringthebeers, The Dominator, Destiny Jones, Bordeaux and Monkeys Way are chasing the big prize on offer while the three emergencies listed are Theodosia, Bonnie Highlander and Hey Yo.
The Airpark Canterbury Dominion, first staged in 1911, is scheduled to start at 4.55pm local time.
The 2019/20 Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters covers six elite events staged throughout Australasia.
