Leaders dominate the final Inter Dominion trot heats

It was one of the most tactical harness racing drives you will see.

And it was one that saw Orlando Vici gelding Just Believe go through the Inter Dominion heats undefeated.

Reinsman Greg Sugars made sure he dominated the final qualifier at Geelong on Saturday night (Dec. 3) leading throughout and beating series favourite Bold For Brilliance.

“It’s all well and good to do what we have done so far but it is all worth nothing if we don’t get it right next week,” said Sugars.

“He’s (Bolt For Brilliance) the most well credentialed horse in the series and it’s nice that we’ve got a win on the board against him.

“We don’t have to draw to lead to be a winning chance (in the final).”

The first heat was a peg-dominated affair with Bolt For Brilliance in second after racing behind the leader and the third-placed Swiss Miss also in a peg position.

The mile rate for the 2570m qualifier was 2:00.9.

Sugars is no stranger to winning an Inter Dominion after winning last year’s Inter Dominion Trotting Championship with Maori Law.

The same can be said for horseman John Justice.

He won the 2000 Inter Dominion with Shakamaka and is chasing his first trotting Grand Final with Mufasa Metro (Father Patrick).

The gelding led throughout to win his heat at Geelong on Saturday night, holding out equal favourite Queen Elida, who raced in the breeze, by a head in a rate of 2:01.5.

MUFASA METRO REPLAY

“He’s a lovely little horse and he deserved a heat win,” said Justice.

“He’s a real character, always handing his head over the door and playing with his tongue.

“He had just a little mishap just before the series but that is behind him now.

“I haven’t won a trotters Inter Dominion before and if he doesn’t win it this year, I’m sure he will do well next year.”

Another improving with time is the third heat winner Majestuoso (Majestic Son).

The six-year-old gelding worked forward in his 2750m qualifier and once he found the front he remained there to beat a fast-finishing Powderkeg by more than seven metres.

Majestuoso clocked 2:01.2 and driver Kate Gath was happy with the effort ahead of next week’s Grand Final.

MAJESTUOSO REPLAY

“He went well . . . he got out of the gate pretty good and did everything pretty good and looking forward to see how we go next week,” said Gath.

“His work was good going into the series but he’s pulled up a bit underdone so he should be better again next week.

“He’s definitely a lot more mature and stronger than his younger days.”

The SENTrack Inter Dominion Trotting Championship Grand Final field is:

For complete race results and replays, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink