NSW Inter hopes fade away

A number of New South Wales harness racing hopes have been withdrawn from the upcoming Perth Inter Dominion with first acceptances closing this afternoon.

And Beautide, which was the highest ranked NSW pacer, is one of them.

Trainer-driver James Rattray withdrew the dual Inter Dominion champion despite his successful return to the trials at Tabcorp Park Menangle during the week.

Trainers Shane and Lauren Tritton also withdrew a handful of their horses from the series including their talented mare Arms Of An Angel which was the second highest ranked NSW-trained pacer.

After being scratched out of a Group Three feature at Menangle a fortnight ago due to a stomach infection, the dual partnership believed they would not have enough time to prepare their Miracle Mile placegetter for the Inter Dominion Series which starts on November 25.

This was also the same scenario with their other stable talent Lombo Kotakinabalu which has not raced since winning the Group Three Vic Frost Cup at Menangle in August.

"Both horses have had an interrupted preparation and are behind the eight-ball," Shane said.

"They are both at least a month away off racing and I wanted them more forward at this stage if we were to consider heading over to Perth."

The Tritton team also withdrew Yayas Hot Spot, Macha and Burning Cash.

"In the first and second round of rankings Yayas Hot Spot was ranked in 58 which is just too far down the list as they only take the top 30," Tritton said.

"I personally thought he should have ranked higher than what he was."

Some of the current NSW hopes still in contention at this stage include Ultimate Art and the John McCarthy-prepared Bling It On and All Eyes On Us.

The third rankings will be released on October 17.

AMANDA RANDO