Inter Dominion underdog ready to make a statement

In form horseman Jack Trainor put out a warning not to forget about his pacer Balraj in the Inter Dominion series.

The Art Major gelding has won 13 of his 35 starts and is going into the series as an underdog, being 11th in line amongst the betting for the Grand Final.

Balraj made his debut for Trainor’s stable with a fast finishing third to Ignatius at Menangle on November 13.

“I’m really happy with him, he ran a 52.5 half and they don’t go much quicker than that,” said Trainor.

“We treated that as a trial and has trained on really well since then.

“I think he is a good chance providing we have luck on our side throughout the series.”

Watch Balraj’s latest effort with Trainor:

Balraj has drawn barrier 11 in the second qualifying heat for the pacers at Menangle on Saturday night.

Going by the market, Balraj is the fourth pick in his heat behind the likes of Expensive Ego, Alta Orlando and Mach Da Vinci.

Balraj Is equal with recent Victoria Cup winner Max Delight.

But for Trainor just having a horse in the series, let alone two, is a big thrill.

“It’s the first Inter Dominion I have been a part of which is exciting,” said Trainor.

“It’s a hard series and it all comes down to the horse you have.”

Trainor also has Western Terror gelding Pocket Of Terror in the Inter Dominion.

“Pocket Of Terror has been racing pretty honest against the Menangle free-for-allers for a while,” said Trainor.

“He is one that will handle the three runs in a week, he’s a big fella and is a run horse that won’t be used early.

“I’m also driving Boncel Benjamin for Jason (Grimson) and he has such good early speed which will take him a long way.

“We will be using his early speed, we don’t want to die wondering, and I think he can cross them.”

Boncel Benjamin has found race favourite King Of Swing in the opening heat.

“It looks King Of Swing’s race to lose and we’ll be happy to take a sit on him,” said Trainor.

The first of the Inter Dominion heats at Menangle on Saturday get underway at 8:43pm (AEDT).

To view the fields for Menangle on Saturday night click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink