Inter Dominion: San Carlo heads Aussie charge as Ultimate Sniper firms for title
Ultimate Sniper is on track to clean sweep the Auckland Inter Dominion series, while Aussie hopes will rest on three outsiders, headed by veteran Victorian star San Carlo.
SuperRacing
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperRacing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Hayes has belief in Creedence revival
Weekend best bets: Little grey’s big chance
Veteran Victorian star San Carlo heads three Aussie finalists in the Auckland Inter Dominion final.
All three Aussie qualifiers are Victorians, the other being Sicario and My Kiwi Mate.
But Victoria Cup winner Bling It On, considered by far our best chance going into the series, failed to qualify after disappointing in Friday night’s final round of heats. As did Queensland’s star Colt Thirty One.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The odds are against an Aussie victory, though, with San Carlo ($21), My Kiwi Mate ($71) and Sicario ($151) all outsiders in TAB’s pre-barrier draw market.
The draw for the pacing and trotting finals are on Sunday.
Ultimate Sniper is on target to clean sweep the series after his monstrous win on Friday night followed victories in his first two heats. He’s into $1.80 with TAB for the final.
Ultimate Sniper simply superb again!
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 6, 2019
What a win from the @AllStarsRacing_ pacer in #ID19 Ht 5 @AlexandraPark… but a few broken Australian hearts here, no doubt.
All honours to Ultimate Sniper! 🙌🙌@cassiefahey @AdamTABSports pic.twitter.com/9DXdIeHzy6
The four-year-old was three-wide without cover in a brutal last lap, looked in huge trouble on the final bend, but lifted to snatch victory from stablemate Chase Auckland.
Colt Thirty One ran a much improved race for third, but didn’t earn enough points to qualify for the final after luckless runs in his first two heats.
San Carlo worked to the front, but was mauled by fellow Aussie Our Uncle Sam from the 500m and they both tired late.
The powerhouse All Stars stable has five of the 12 finalists, including the Aussie-owned NZ Cup winner Cruz Bromac, who impressively beat his stablemate Thefixer in the second of last night’s heats.
Cruz Bromac led, took a trail and re-took the lead before roaring home in a 54sec last half to win strongly. Victorian pair Sicario and My Kiwi Mate finished well late to snare enough points to qualify.
Another one for @AllStarsRacing_ @AlexandraPark tonight! The Cup winner Cruz Bromac wins the final pacing #ID19 heat with stablemate Thefixer in second…
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 6, 2019
Who wins the final?@cassiefahey @AdamTABSports @HarnessRacingNZ pic.twitter.com/sYCXDxpTr4
Australia’s best hope in the trotting series, Tough Monarch, secured his spot in the final with a late-closing second to rejuvenated local star Temporale in the first of last night’s trotting heats.
The eye-catching run came yet again from Marcoola, who stormed home from last for a close fourth in a leader-dominated race. He looks right on target for the final.
And Big Jack Hammer just did enough to give Australia a second finalist in the trotting series, despite weakening late in the second heat.
Temporale and the 'ice man' @HerlihyWon take out #ID19 Trot Heat 5 @AlexandraPark from fast finishing pair Paramount King and Tough Monarch! A bit more luck for Team Aussie in this heat!@cassiefahey @AdamTABSports @HarnessRacingNZ pic.twitter.com/L2pSsO80ms
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 6, 2019
On another golden night for the All Stars’ stable, their only trotter in the series Winterfell, led throughout to easily win last night’s second heat.
In contrast to the pacing final, the trotting series remains wide-open pre-draw with TAB having Winterfell and Marcoola equal favourites at $3.50 from Majestic Man ($5.50), Massive Metro ($6.50) and Temporale ($7.50). The Aussies at $11 for Tough Monarch and Big Jack Hammer at $71.
AUCKLAND INTER DOMINION
FINAL FIELDS
PACERS
Ultimate Sniper, Chase Auckland, AG’s White Socks, Cruz Bromac, Thefixer, Mach Shard, My Kiwi Mate, Ashley Locaz, San Carlo, Sicario, On The Cards, Triple Eight, Classie Brigade (emergency)
TROTTERS
Paramount King, Marcoola, Majestic Man, Winterfell, Temporale, Massive Metro, Habibi Inta, Tough Monarch, Destiny Jones, Valloria, Big Jack Hammer, Bonnie Highlander, Monty Python (emergency).