Beautide ready to join Inter immortals

Top pacer Beautide has drawn well in his bid to join an elite harness racing fraternity at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Sunday.

Engaged in the TAB.com.au Inter Dominion, the James Rattray-trained gelding is aiming to become just the sixth champion to retain his title.

Former super star Hondo Grattan was the ground breaker in 1973 and ’74, with his second victory coming in one of the most action-packed Finals on all-time.

A fall soon after the start saw half the field knocked out of contention before Hondo Grattan achieved immortality on the tight Gloucester Park circuit.

Dour stayer Gammalite followed suit in 1983 and ’84 before being joined by Our Sir Vancelot in 1997, ’98 and ’99, Blacks A Fake in 2006, ’07 and ’08 and Im Themightyquinn in 2011, ’12 and ’13.

Former warhorse, Captain Sandy, is the only dual Inter Dominion winner, having scored in 1950 and 1953.

As for Beautide, the locally-trained pacer will begin from barrier five, which should see the son of Bettor’s Delight worked to the lead soon after the start.

TAB Fixed Odds has the seven-year-old, which was a brilliant winner of his heat, at $2.10.

Exciting Victorian Lennytheshark has firmed as the defending champ’s main danger after drawing perfectly in the pole.

Also successful in his heat, Lennytheshark was regarded as the biggest threat before the barrier draw.

A not quick beginner, the David Aiken-trained stallion is expected to lead early before taking a trail behind Beautide.

On the opposite end of the scale, New Zealand raider, Terror To Love, has continued to attract the visitors’ draw and will begin from nine.

• PAUL COURTS