Breeding nursery has first Inter Dominion starters

Feature race wins have been abundant for Bruce and Vicki Edward since they established their Durham Park standardbred harness racing nursery near Ballarat in 2006.

However, having produced some of Australasian trots best youngsters, with breeding always front of mind they’ve tended to sell their colts and therefore the majority of their ownership success has been with fillies, predominantly in age races.

There have been exceptions along the way though and the SENtrack Inter Dominion Pacing Championship, which begins with the opening round of heats in Ballarat on Saturday night, provides one of them.

For the first time the Edwards have runners in an Inter Dominion – the Emma Stewart-trained trio of Act Now (Somebeachsomewhere), Beyond Delight (Bettor’s Delight) and Narutac Prince (Art Major).

And not only have they managed to progress three into the Grand Circuit event, they are among a select group of males the Edwards’ have raced over the years.

“It’s just the way it’s turned out,” Bruce Edward said.

“If they’re superstars you naturally look at all the (age) classics, but in general we’ve decided not to rush them with the hope of them racing on (and) reaching Grand Circuit level.”

Beyond Delight is a prime example of this approach, racing just six times as a two year-old and seven times as a three-year-old before stepping up to become a Group 1 winner this season in a busier program.

Narutac Prince only raced once as a two-year-old before a much more prolific schedule last season. He has eased off again this year.

Act Now had more racing than his stablemates as a juvenile and then stepped it up to claim the Victoria Derby last season.

His build up to the Inter Dominion though has been a little lighter, including two relatively short blocks of racing.

Edward said although all three were highly talented, some thought had to go into whether they contested the Inter Dominion, given they were only four-year-olds.

He said ultimately having the series in Victoria was the key.

“We thought it’s a home series, so why wouldn’t you if it’s in your backyard. And it looks an even series.”

Edward said the unknown factor was the impact the format of four races (three heats and a final) in two weeks would have, but was upbeat about Act Now, who has won his past three races.

“He’s loving his racing. He loves being in front and is really hard to get past.”

He said if Act Now made the final and drew well he would be hard to beat – especially over the longer journey.

“For him, the longer the better.”

On Beyond Delight: “He’s a little superstar. If he gets the right run he can be incredibly quick.”

Edward said Narutac Prince also possessed a quick sprint.

“We like him, but he’s lightly raced. He has a lot of potential, but this might be a bit too early (in his career).”

The Inter Dominion’s opening night (at Ballarat this Saturday Nov. 26) features three pacing and three trotting heats on a 10-race program.

For complete race fields, click here.

by David Brehaut, for The Trots