A quartet of Inter Dominion prospects will attempt to enhance their rankings this weekend.
Each well-placed to gain a start in the time-honoured Championship, the four can continue to climb the rankings by securing Sunday’s Maryborough Cup.
As it stands Bay Of Biscay, War Dan Buddy and Jilliby Nitro are pretty much assured berths in the series having been listed at 12, 15 and 23 during the second round of rankings released earlier this week.
At 38, Forty Love falls short of the top 36 cut-off and is in need of a feature win before the final rankings on June 26.
Heats are scheduled to be conducted at Albion Park on July 4.
Trainer Aaron Dunn also has his sights on The Rising Sun at the same venue on July 4, with the winner gaining a ‘golden ticket’ into the Inter Dominion Final a fortnight later.
As for his prospects in the provincial event, Forty Love faces a daunting task from the middle of the second row.
The son of Downbytheseaside has been kept fresh since his Mildura Cup third on April 11, but is ready for action according to Dunn.
“He had two weeks off, which did him the world of good,” Dunn said. “He trialed well the other day and is close to where he was.
“The draw isn’t a great help, and he will need the hit out, but if he gets the right run, he’ll be thereabouts.
“Hopefully he does enough to keep climbing the Inter rankings and even make his way into the Rising Sun.”
Citing Bay Of Biscay as the one to beat from barrier 10, Dunn is also wary of War Dan Buddy from the pole.
Both are trained by premier horsewoman Emma Stewart.
“There are quite a few you’d say have chances with the right run, but Bay Of Biscay would be the main one,” Dunn said. “War Dan Buddy is likely to lead from the pole, which really strengthens his prospects.”
IMAGES: BAY OF BISCAY (CLUB MENANGLE) & JILLIBY NITRO (TERANG CUP)
