BLACKS A Fake was sensational and Monkey King magnificent in winning their heats of the Interdominion Pacing Championship at the Newcastle International Paceway on Saturday night.
Australian pacing idol Blacks A Fake, one of the best horses of the modern era, obliterated Lombo Pocket Watch's 2030-metre track record by 0.8 seconds in beating defending champion Mr Feelgood by two metres.
Kiwi champion Monkey King still appeared to have something in reserve despite running away in the straight to beat Western Cam by 33/4m.
The two superstars are both unbeaten in the series this year, setting the stage for a classic trans-Tasman showdown in the $1 million grand final at Menangle on Sunday.
Trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen could hardly control her emotions and hugged Blacks A Fake after he had parked outside of Mr Feelgood before proving too strong in the run home.
"He travelled beautifully the whole trip and I couldn't have been happier with the run," Rasmussen said. "He is a such a great horse and this showed he will be ready for a big run in next week's final.
"There is no stopping him. He just keeps taking that next step.
"He is part of the family and I am just so proud of my boy."
Blacks A Fake will be contesting his fifth straight Interdominion grand final.
He was successful in Tasmania in 2006, Adelaide (2007) and Melbourne (2008) before being dethroned by Mr Feelgood at the Gold Coast 12 months ago when he finished second, beaten a half-neck by the former American pacer which came along the sprint lane.
Monkey King was also super-impressive in his win despite surprisingly being headed early by former American pacer Genuwine, handled by Sawyers Gully trainer-driver Adam Ruggari, which exploded out from barrier eight to lead.
Driver Ricky May sent the Kiwi forward after 400m to regain the lead and from there the result never really looked in doubt.
"He is really on top of his game and he is going as well, if not better, than before his wins in the New Zealand Cup and Miracle Mile," May said.
Fellow Kiwi Bondy will also enter the grand final unbeaten after leading throughout to beat Be Good Johnny by 2.5m.
Trainer-driver David Butt is the grandson of Jack Litten, who steered the great Caduceus to success in the 1960 Interdominion Championship before a world record crowd of 50,346 at Harold Park. Butt drove Bondy out of the gate to cross Be Good Johnny but then slowed the field right down during the middle stages turning the race into a sprint home.
It was a tradesmanlike performance by the eight-year-old which has now been successful in his past four starts including a gutsy effort to win the gruelling Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley on February 6.
"He may have been a bit short of a run when he won his heat at Harold Park last week and he has pulled up much better after his victory tonight," Butt said.
"We went back home after the Hunter Cup and all the travelling may have taken its toll before the opening round of heats."
Washakie overcame his extreme outside barrier to upset Smoken Up and ensure his place in the final.
Trainer-driver John McCarthy settled at the back of the field then whipped around when the pace was slow approaching the 1400m to sit up outside the leader and favourite Smoken Up.
McCarthy dashed to the front when Smoken Up appeared to drop the bit nearing the 400m and went for home on Washakie, which got home by 1.5 metres from Smoken Up.
"He has been going real good but he does like to be up there on the speed, so hopefully he can draw better in the final," McCarthy said.
Baileys Dream and Sammy Maguire finished equal on 18 points, with Baileys Dream winning a place to take the final spot in the grand final field.
The barrier draw will be held tonight.
Interdominion grand final field: Monkey King, Blacks A Fake, Bondy, Washakie, Atomic Ark, Smoken Up, Mr Feelgood, Changeover, Our Awesome Armbro, Baileys Dream, Sammy Maguire (first emergency), Be Good Johnny (second emergency).
Email a friend