BRISBANE INTER DOMINION SNAPSHOT
THE STARS
PACERS – TOP SEED
LEAP TO FAME
Trainer-driver: Grant Dixon
Adam Hamilton says: The hometown hero with the potential to be all-time great. Already won 25 of his 35 starts and almost $1.5mil. His versatility and class, mixed with a home track advantage, make him the one they all have to beat.
DANGER
SWAYZEE
Trainer: Jason Grimson
Driver: Cam Hart
Adam Hamilton says: The older half-brother to Leap To Fame clearly looks his biggest danger. Looked absolutely stunning winning all nine starts since joining the Jason Grimson stable, including beating Leap To Fame at this track in their only meeting. Since beating the Kiwis over there in their biggest race.
VALUE
BETTERZIPPIT
Trainer: Jason Grimson
Driver: Cam Hart
Adam Hamilton says: Fascinating runner. Stablemate of Swayzee who roared through the grades to win the $1mil Nullarbor in Perth in April. Well below best in four runs since, but had health issues and looked back on song winning a Menangle trial last week. Has real X-factor.
TROTTERS – TOP SEED
JUST BELIEVE
Trainer: Jess Tubbs
Driver: Greg Sugars
Adam Hamilton says: The defending champ. Going all the way to Sweden for three races mid-year only seems to have improved him. Despite being first-up and surely needing the run, he was breathtaking winning first-up. Fast, strong, all class and the one they have to beat.
DANGER
QUEEN ELIDA
Trainer: Brent Lilley
Driver: Chris Alford
Adam Hamilton says: Mighty mare who was almost unbeatable during Just Believe’s absence in the back half of this year. Brave when burned early and found Just Believe too good last time. No doubt she’s better than this time last year and will really test the champ.
VALUE
OLLIVICI
Trainers: Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar
Driver: Chris Lang
Adam Hamilton says: Has the makings of being top shelf, but still looks a work in progress and might be a year away. Has been competitive with Just Believe and Queen Elida at times, but would need everything to go right to beat them come final time.
TRAINER TO WATCH
JASON GRIMSON: Trying to do what no trainer has done by winning three successive Inter Dominion pacing finals with different horses. Natalie Rasmussen (Blacks A Fake) and Brian Hancock (Our Sir Vancelot) have done it with the same horse.
KEY DRIVER
GREG SUGARS: Along with driving trotting favourite Just Believe, Sugars will also partner dual Group 1 winner Better Eclipse in the trotting series for his wife, Jess Tubbs.
By Adam Hamilton