ID10 News
ID10 is truly an international event
18 February 2010
Organisers have been working for years to stir interest in the Inter Dominion from North America and this year has hit spot.
Fresh from former North American pacer Mr Feelgood’s historic Watpac Inter Dominion final win at the Gold Coast last year, there are four former northern hemisphere-trained pacers in ID10.
Mr Feelgood leads the way again for trainer Tim Butt and his brother, driver Anthony Butt.
After a slow start to this season, Mr Feelgood is working back into peak form at just the right time. He is $5 third favourite for tomorrow night’s first qualifying heat at Harold Park.
The other three former North Americans – Genuwine (heat two), Lonestar Legend (heat three) and Fox Valley Appeal (heat four) – are all owned by one of Australia’s richest men, Clive Palmer, through his Cold Mountain Stud.
While Genuwine and Fox Valley Appeal face a class rise in the very strong series, Lonestar Legend has the brilliance and potential to be a factor.
Trainer Paul Fitzpatrick thinks Lonestar Legend will be a better horse in 12 months time, but still believes he can make the final.
The strong North American influence has even lured leading American journalists Kathy Parker, editor of the “Horseman and Fair World” magazine across to New South Wales for the series.
The international flavour to ID10 extends to the strongest New Zealand representation in many years.
The betting markets underline the strength of the Kiwis raiders with three of the first five favourites in TAB Sportsbet’s fixed odds final market coming from across the Tasman.
Leading way is the star of this season, Monkey King, who is $4 to win the final and $1.50 favourite to win his heat tomorrow night.
The other major Kiwi contenders are the rejuvenated Changeover and last-start Big6 Hunter Cup winner Bondy.
The first round of ID10 heats at Harold Park tomorrow night (Friday). The series then moves to the second and last round of heats at Newcastle on Saturday, February 27.
The $1 million Watpac ID10 Final is at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Sunday, March 7. This ten race program commences at 12.50pm and features three other Group 1 events. The Watpac ID10 Final to be run at 5pm.
