Sydney Inter-Dominions unlikely for leading trio

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 26

Sydney Inter-Dominions unlikely for leading trio

By

JEFF SCOTT

It seems doubtful at this early stage that New Zealand’s three leading aged pacers, Master Mood, Luxury Liner and Skipper Dale, will be going to Sydney for next year’s Inter-Dominion Championships at Harold Park.

Kevin Williams, the part-owner, trainer-driver of "Harness Horse of the Year,” Master Mood said yesterday it is possible that the rising six-year-old will bypass the series, given the preferential draw system to be used for two of the heats and the final. “It isn’t in our plans at

this stage,” said Williams. “That type of handicapping with the best-per-formed horses starting from the outside of the second row on that tight track is just about an impossible task.” “It’s not sour grapes on our part but I can remember that great stayer Steel Jaw racing three wide throughout a race there and even he couldn’t carry on,” added Williams.

Skipper Dale’s Ashburton trainer-driver, Pat O’Reilly jun., has already announced the tough Nordel Skipper gelding is un-

likely to contest the series for the same reasons, while top trainer, Roy Purdon, said last evening that the Inter-Dominions would be “a bit dicey” for Luxury Liner. “The owners aren’t very happy about it and I agree with them. There is a bit of doubt there,” said Purdon, who trains the runner-up in last year’s New Zealand Cup with son Barry. The only round of heats where the preferential draw will not be in use is in the mile heat around the 743 metres circuit. Meanwhile Kevin

Williams will be adopting a similar campaign for Master Mood as was the case this season. Master Mood is likely to return to Harold Park for the Miracle Mile in early December after contesting the New Zealand Cup, even if the Auckland Cup comes back to a late December date, as rumoured. Williams is more inclined to campaign Master Mood in the rich Winfield Pacing Championships at Moonee Valley in Melbourne in mid-Febru-ary and flag the Inter-

Dominions altogether. "Ricky” as Master Mood is affectionately known, is progressing well in a fresh campaign. “He feels really good and is doing a bit of strong work at the moment," said Williams, “We should have him at the trials toward the end of August and we are looking at racing him again at the New Brighton or Ashburton meetings in September.”