Australian entries in Inter-doms now 12

Press, 25 February 1983, Page 28

Australian entries in Inter-doms now 12

Special correspondent Auckland The maximum Australian representation possible at the Inter-Dominion Championships at Alexandra park next month had shrunk yesterday to seven pacers and five trotters. A total of 23 Australian horses survived the first payment of February 11. Auckland Trotting Club officials are keeping their fingers crossed there will be no more withdrawals when a final payment of $3OO is due at 2 p.m. today. Almost certainly, the dominance of Popular Alm and Gammalite in main races across the Tasman is having an effect on the size of the Australian representation. They are unquestionably the best pacers in Australia and. as a club official said yesterday, “as long as they come it has to be a great Inter-dominion."

There seems little doubt Popular Alm and Gammalite will compete. Arrangements have already been made for Popular Alm to be stabled at Mr Bob Barry's Gentry lodge at Papakura. As well as Popular Alm and Gammalite. both from Victoria, Australia pacers still engaged in the Benson and Hedges-sponsored series are Ardstraw. Royal Three and Tricky One. from New South Wales; Tuapeka Star (Victoria), and Wondai’s Mate (Queensland). The trotters are Down South Clare. Skipper Don. Mighty Miller. Scotch Notch and Kinnoyl, all from Victoria. The conditions of the championships provide for 12 horses to start in heats and finals — 36 pacers and 24 trotters. Up to last evening. 48 pacers and 40 trotters were still engaged.