South Coast Pacers Take It Right Up To The Maroons

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday March 23, 2006

By CHRIS ROOTS

THE opening night of the 2006 Inter Dominion was owned by Queensland, but last night was time for NSW to strike back in Launceston, and more particularly the night belonged to the South Coast.

Inter Dominion king Brian Hancock combined with nephew Darren to win the final heat of the night with Sweet Fame, after Woonona driver Greg Bennett had produced a masterpiece which allowed Hexus to win in heat six (2200m).

In a contrast, Sweet Fame took Hancock's Inter Dominion heat tally to 28, while Bennett opened his Inter Dominion account on Hexus.

"(Hexus) hasn't won in that sort of company for a long time and he's been such a good horse he deserves an Inter Dominion heat win," Bennett said.

"It gets the monkey off all our backs and now we can hopefully make the final. It's obviously a career highlight but there is still work to do to get into the final."

Hexus sits equal third on the standings with Paul Fitzpatrick-trained Smooth Crusa and Winforu after night two and only needs to run in the first half of the field on Sunday to get into the $1.5 million final on April 2.

Hancock is also breathing a lot easier with Sweet Fame after Darren Hancock took a peg run to boost the former Canadian pacer to equal sixth on the standings on 19 points.

"I was very happy for Darren because he copped some criticism for his drive on the first night," Brian Hancock said

"We have a tough draw on the second row on Sunday again but I think he should be right (to make the final)."

Sweet Fame stepped to the lead from gate two last night as Berry pacer Mustang Fighter galloped from the pole and surrendered any hope he had in the series.

The Canadian-bred five-year-old handed up the lead after 900m to favourite Be Good Johnny and camped on his back until a rails run came with about 200m to go.

"Darren and I both read the race right and he did the right thing out there," Brian Hancock said.

"He made the favourite (Be Good Johnny) do just enough work and took the run when it come. When he's on song, there's no better driver than Darren."

Slipnslide remains unbeaten after two nights of racing after another commanding win in heat five of the series.

© 2006 Illawarra Mercury

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