Sticking with Big V ahead of Inter

INTER DOMINION!

The very mention or sight of those two words screams Trans Tasman rivalry.

Australia’s best and brightest against whatever the Kiwis have to offer…a battle for supremacy as man and beast ‘Tangle and Menangle’ for harness racing’s Holy Grail on Sunday.

As a true patriot of the ‘sunburnt country’ it is pretty much illegal to tip against the Aussies – or barrack for a Kiwi for that matter.

Furthermore, as a Victorian, patriotism demands support for the three Big V representatives – Flaming Flutter, Im Corzin Terror and Lennytheshark.

Each has a reasonable chance of glory with the right amount of luck in transit.

Of the trio, Lennytheshark stands out as the leading contender, especially after drawing perfectly in barrier one.

Flaming Flutter will come from three, while Im Corzin Terror faces a tougher task from six.

Winner of his qualifier at Melton a fortnight ago, Lennytheshark is in prime condition for the TAB.COM.AU sponsored event, with trainer David Aiken keeping the entire fresh for the time-honoured Championship.

The fact Lennytheshark has ‘fresh legs’ is a major reason why the son of Four Starzzz Shark can upset the favourite, defending champion Beautide.

Lennytheshark has had three starts this season, with each performance ultra-impressive.

A first-up third in the Shepparton Cup at his standing start debut, Lennytheshark then finished second behind Christen Me in the Victoria Cup before capturing his Inter Dominion qualifier.

The five-year-old is also expected to thrive on the spacious world class circuit and relish the 3009-metre trip.

Lennytheshark’s previous visit to Menangle resulted in his victory in the New South Wales Derby.

A consistent son of Bettors Delight, Flaming Flutter is more than capable of causing an upset for trainer Geoff Webster.

Flaming Flutter has been among the placings in two Group Ones this term and gives every indication a top-shelf win isn’t far away.

Successful in the Ballarat Cup in December, Im Corzin Terror has been racing below his best since, but showed a glimpse of improvement when third in his Inter heat.

• PAUL COURTS