KEY POINTS:
This season's A$1.5 million Interdominion series could be the latest victim of the equine influenza crisis in Australia.
The future of the glamour series is likely to be decided at a special meeting of harness racing bosses in Australia on October 26.
There is concerted pressure from officials
in New South Wales and Queensland - states where harness racing has been halted by EI - for the Victorian-based Interdoms to be delayed, perhaps until next season.
They argue it is unfair to hold the series when horses from Queensland and New South Wales may not be able to compete because of EI-related interstate travel bans.
They are also concerned the series' new format, which sees Grand Circuit winners going straight to semifinals, has been ruined by the cancellation of many early season feature races.
Just this week, Sydney harness racing officials confirmed the Miracle Mile will not be held in its usual November timeslot and is likely to be delayed until at least April.
Yet Harness Racing Victoria bosses are adamant unless EI spreads to that state they will still hold their two Grand Circuit races, the Victoria Cup in December and Hunter Cup in February.
But they will not totally commit to the Interdominions, which were to have their finals on March 1, until after the October 26 meeting.
If the series does go ahead and travel restrictions still apply to New South Wales and Queensland horses, it would mean two-time defending champion Blacks A Fake, dual Miracle Mile winner Be Good Johnny and NSW hero Divisive would miss the series.
But it would still be open to pacers and trotters from Victoria, New Zealand and West Australia.
Kiwi trainers are obviously disappointed by reports the series could be off but if it is delayed or cancelled the biggest winner could be the Auckland Trotting Club.
The Interdominions are set down for just six days before the Auckland Cup and the two races could be competing for superstars like Changeover, Flashing Red, Monkey King and Sly Flyin.
The longer indecision lingers in Australia the more likely the trainers of New Zealand's best pacers will be planning to stay closer to home.
* Champion pacer Changeover will face just seven rivals when he returns to racing at Addington on Friday.
The New Zealand Cup favourite will be off a 20m handicap in the $50,000 Superstars Championship.