Five Victorian contenders are set to fly the flag in the prestigious Inter Dominion Pacing and Trotting Championships this Saturday night at Albion Park.
After two rounds of heats, two pacers and three trotters from Victoria have qualified for the $1 million Pacing Championship and the $500,000 Trotting Championship. Both races will be run over the 3157-metre marathon distance.
In the pacing ranks, Rakero Rebel has drawn barrier two for trainer Jess Tubbs and will be the only mare in the final. She’s joined by Catch A Wave, trained by Andy Gath, who faces the challenge of barrier seven but remains one of Victoria’s elite free-for-all performers.
They’ll take on the might of Queensland champion Leap To Fame, widely regarded as one of the best pacers Australia has ever seen. The Grant Dixon-trained star has come up with the prized barrier one, although some question marks remain about his early gate speed and whether he can hold the lead.
In the trotters' division, Parisian Artiste provided a standout moment for Victoria in the heats, scoring an emotional victory for driver Tayla French and trainer-partner Alex Ashwood. The gelding led throughout over the 2680-metre journey, recording a dominant win and securing his place in the final from barrier four.
“It’s a little bit surreal,” French said. “With the last couple of years he’s had, it’s pretty ironic he is here and racing at this level.”
“Tonight I didn’t expect to win it and just how easily he did it was next to none. He was allowed to roll along at his own tempo, which he hasn’t had the chance to do for a very long time. I don’t think he’s been beaten in front, so it suited him down to the ground.”
“It was an awesome feeling at the 800. He gave the wheels a little tap and took off on his own. His plugs were still in at the finish, which was great. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Adding to the occasion, French had her baby Levi watching on from the crowd.
“He’s the light of our lives and I’m absolutely rapt to have him here.”
Joining Parisian Artiste in the trotters final are Arcee Phoenix and Harry Stamper (barrier nine). Arcee Phoenix, trained by Chris Svanosio, looms as a top contender and is now favourite for the Championship after drawing barrier one.
“I’m quite happy about that,” Svanosio said after the draw. “Both of his runs have been really good. Hopefully he can make use of barrier one. I’d love to be out in front and I think he’ll really give them something to chase.”
All eyes will be on Albion Park this Saturday night as the Inter Dominion reaches its dramatic conclusion, and the Victorians look to rise to the occasion on harness racing’s biggest stage.
Photo: Dan Costello Photography