Consider, for a moment, the tactical posturing and strategic acrobatics you’ve witnessed in the lead-up to this year’s Victorian state election.

Now, if possible, multiply those Machiavellian manoeuvres by an exponent of 50.

Then, perhaps, you’ll have some comprehension of what transpires through the course of a SENTrack Inter Dominion series. 

For those that who never experienced the epic, extended, extraordinary glory of Australasian harness racing’s most coveted series, here’s the fundamental foundations that underpin it’s wonderfully unique nature. 

Tonight, the Inter Dominion begins at Bray Raceway, Ballarat, with six heats in total; three for pacers and an equal number for trotters. 

This first round of qualifiers will be staged over Ballarat’s ‘middle’ trip of 2200m. 

Round two will be staged Tuesday night at Shepparton over the ‘short’, then come the staying journeys. 

First, at Beckley Park, Geelong, for round three of this year’s ID series then the following Saturday night where the first Victorian Inter Dominion in four years will climax at Tabcorp Park Melton. 

If the Miracle Mile symbolizes the recently staged T20 World Cup, the Inter Dominion represents The Ashes. 

Throughout the next fortnight, trainers, drivers and horses will be tested in ways they’ve never been tested in any other environment than this magnificent series. 

Truth be told, however, they’re far from alone on this laborious, formidable quest. 

Punters too, will finds this the most dangerous and demanding fortnight of their wagering lives. 

Here’s the rub. 

In any ‘normal’ race, it’s naturally expected that every combatant is there to win. 

That’s not so natural here. 

The goal, you see, is based on accumulation; point accumulation. 

Blazing out on night one, showing all your cards and playing all your aces may sound fun; but it’s equally likely to prove your ultimate downfall. 

Remember, these standardbreds, of both gaits, have just 72 hours, sometimes less, to recover from their exploits at Bray Raceway this evening before fronting up again in the Goulburn Valley. 

On the flipside, those drawn to advantage this evening are somewhat duty-bound to build their war chest of points for later in the series. 

It is, for harness lovers, the most magnificent minefield imaginable. 

The aggregation of factors outlined above – and there are many more – should ensure several things.

One is that the ‘best’ horse won’t prevail in every ID qualifier this evening. 

Two is that some lower profile entrants will chance their arm in unexpected ways to elevate their standings early in the series. 

And three is that profiting on the punt will require both intellect and intuition, expertise and experience. 

Above and beyond all of this, however, night one of the 2022 ID will be outrageously fun. 

Godspeed to all who play the game. 

Some sporting events are sprints, others are marathons; this though, this is much more like the Amazing Race.

JASON BONNINGTON IS JOINED BY ANDY GATH, GREG SUGARS, TOM HOGAN AND BRITTANY GRAHAM FOR BURNING QUESTIONS:

 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.