Harness
Inter Dominion Round 2 Preview – Saturday, 12th July 2025
Differing barrier fortunes have given Don Hugo his chance to topple arch rival Leap To Fame in a blockbuster clash in round two of the Inter Dominion series Albion Park on Saturday night.
The series was delivered with an early treat with the two big guns and winners of the last two pacing finals drawing in the same heat and the clash was made even more intriguing when Don Hugo drew gate one with Leap To Fame on his back.
It's the same barrier Leap To Fame overcame for a thumping win in last week's opening round of heats but this time Don Hugo looks a sure leader so will present the local superstar with a big challenge to catch.
Leap To Fame could hardly have been more impressive last week though, getting of the pegs early before working around the field to take over and showing his absolute class with a dominant performance.
The superstar pacer has a phenomenal record at Albion Park – winning 37 of 43 starts - and he is even better suited up to a distance where he has won six of seven attempts.
If he can get into clear air his class can do the rest.
Defending champion Don Hugo went into the series as Leap To Fame's biggest challenger and the draw gives him every chance to take a win over his rival.
He was too good from the back row in his first heat and he draws to lead, having beaten Leap To Fame from that position to win the Miracle Mile earlier in the year.
If he can steal a march on his rival he'll be hard to reel in.
The night's opening pacing heat sees Sure Thing Captain as a hot favourite after he led from the same draw to win last week's opener in good style.
That was impressive and there doesn't look to be any more depth to this heat. The longer trip presents as some query but he has built an impressive strike rate at Albion Park.
Tims A Trooper is a likely improver after he was far from disgraced in racing wide for fifth from a back line barrier in round one. A low draw can see him more competitive.
Veterans Max Delight and Petes Said So have both performed well in Inter Dominion series before and the pair did enough to suggest they are a chance to reach another final.
Captains Knock is another with past Inter Dominion success – winning two heats last year – and gets his chance to add another in the night's final pacing heat.
He did a great job in his opener when he raced parked and worked but fought on strongly to finish just 1.3m off Don Hugo. There isn't as much depth to this heat and while he cops another wide barrier he has the pace to push forward.
Speak The Truth only beat a few home last week but drew wider and worked so it may pay to be forgiving. He was a good winner from the back row at Albion Park prior and from a favourable draw can show more.
Beach Ball was a bit disappointing when fading late in round one but his other Australian efforts had merit and he should be in his element as the distances get longer so may be worth another chance.
Rakero Rebel draws wide but ran her usual honest race when placed last week so can feature again.
He showed his class in round one when he held the lead from the inside draw and went on to score by nearly 3m as a hot favourite. That saw him unbeaten here and he should enjoy the longer distance having recorded a win and a placing from his two attempts.
Gus was a real eye catcher last week when he settled back from this barrier before steaming home to miss narrowly. He isn't the most reliable of trotters but he should enjoy the longer distance having won four of nine attempts.
London To A Brick was let down by manners last week but had been racing and behaving well prior. His record at Albion Park before that blunder had been first rate so he could get his bid back on track.
Golden Sunset was brave in winning her opening heat from the back row. She draws wide but strikes at 50 per cent at this longer distance.
Arcee Phoenix is building nicely towards the final and can ramp up his bid with a win in the night's other heat.
He won from this same barrier when he resumed at Melton before working home strongly to place in last week's opener. He may be relying on a little luck from the draw but has won third-up before so should be fitter again and doesn't lack for class.
Oscar Bonavena came into the series as one of the form horses but had no luck in round one when held up badly in the straight. It is worth noting he broke off the mobile the last time he drew on the pegs so early manners are some concern but he has the class to win if he gets it right.
Parisian Artiste brought his consistent Victorian form to Brisbane when placed from a wide barrier in his opener, beaten only 2.2m. Has an honest record at the longer distance so expect him in the finish again.
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