Claimer chasing one of Australasia’s biggest races

It is hard to imagine that claiming a horse to race would eventually morph into having a runner in an Inter Dominion.

But that is exactly what has unfolded for Sydney-based trainer-driver Sean Grayling, who is currently campaigning Pump The Brakes in the TAB Inter Dominion Series.

Grayling claimed the pacer three years ago on a Friday night at Bankstown from Leon Jurd and Rex Horne for just $6,000, and the entire has since won connections more than $120,000 in stakes and seven races, including five metropolitan races at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

“I claimed Pump The Brakes for next to nothing for my family to race around the Sydney area,” said Grayling.

“My stepmother Leanne and Aunty Adrian are in the ownership with me, and we thought if we could win a few claiming races with him and have a bit of fun, we would move him on.

“I never dreamt that he would be lining up in an Inter Dominion series . . . but here we are.

“Being a home state Inter Dominion has helped, I admit, but it is great to be able to mix it with the best in such a special series.

“Our fellow has had his fair share of problems and I have just had to work through them.

“He had a nasty quarter-crack, which took him quite a bit of time to overcome but, touch wood, all is sound with him at present.

“I removed his hopples this season with the thought that it would make him keener to race and it has worked a treat.

“He is much more content and comfortable in his gait.”

Grayling has four drives at Penrith on Thursday night for Cawdor trainer Paul Fitzpatrick, whose team is currently in fine form.

“I have some good drives for Paul, three of which are well fancied in early betting,” said Grayling.

“I do think that Highinauckland is the one to beat in Race 7.

“Her last three runs have all been good against stronger opposition than she is meeting here.

“If she can find a passage through from gate seven, she will go close to winning.

“Three Lined has drawn poorly in Race 6 but he has the ability to overcome that adversity while On The Rock (Race 2) faces a similar hurdle but is a consistent colt that is dropping in grade.”

To view the fields for Penrith on Thursday night click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW