Racing: Dream run looks even better

The scratching of an Interdom no-hoper may provide Baileys Dream with all the advantage he needs to win the strongest heat of the night at Newcastle tomorrow.

The comeback pacer stunned punters with a mammoth third on the opening night of the series at Harold Park last Friday, sitting three wide for the last mile before only just going down to Bondy.

That performance saw Baileys Dream rocket up betting markets for the pacing final on Sunday week and the news has just kept getting better for the giant pacer ever since.

Last Friday, Baileys Dream cost himself valuable track position at the start because he was reluctant to score up directly behind the cage which contains the mobile gate operator, an old and often costly trait for the veteran pacer.

Which is why the scratching of outsider Notaswethort, who had drawn barrier one, from the strong last heat tomorrow night is so crucial to Baileys Dream's chance.

That moves him into barrier three, a starting position trainer Brendon Hill is adamant the big fella will be a lot more comfortable starting from.

"He has always been funny about scoring up behind the starter's cage but with that scratching he comes into three and should have a clearer view in front of him," says Hill. And the New Zealand trainer believes that could even see Baileys Dream go forward and try for an all-the-way win over the 2030m.

"He has always had really good gate speed when his mind is on the job and now we come into barrier three I can see Ricky [May] going for the front.

"If he gets there I expect Blacks A Fake to be around at some stage but we would be keen to stay in front and if he can sit parked outside us and beat us then so be it."

Hill has no concerns about Baileys Dream being flattened by his first-round third, only his second start in 13 months.

"In fact, I think it will bring him on and I am sure he will be better this week. He has eaten up well and looks great so I think last Friday hasn't hurt at all."

With that heat containing Blacks A Fake and Mr Feelgood, who have won the past four Interdominion Finals between them, as well as Pembrook Benny, who was slightly luckless on night one, it will be the highlight of the series' return to Newcastle.

While Hill continues to grow in confidence with Baileys Dream, he admits to being totally relaxed about the chances of his series favourite Monkey King.

The $2.50 quote for the final will start deep into the red on Saturday night, after drawing barrier three in the third heat of the night, with everybody expecting him to lead and win.

"And to be honest that is what I expect, too," said Hill.

"He just jogged his win last week and is thriving."

So is Hill feeling the pressure of having two top Interdominion hopes?

"Not yet. Maybe if they both make it to the final, next week will start to get interesting but we have been there before this season with Monkey and he did the job for us in the New Zealand Cup and Miracle Mile.

"After all, he doesn't know how big a race it is."

Tomorrow night's heats have fallen beautifully for the seven-strong Kiwi contingent, with Bondy also perfectly drawn to lead in his heat and remain unbeaten in Australia.

He clashes with Changeover, who could be expected to be driven off the speed early from barrier six and he only needs a top-three finish to make the final, so he looks as good as in.

Mr Feelgood will need to finish top two in the strongest heat so will need all of champion driver Anthony Butt's genius to defend his title, while Pembrook Benny almost needs a win to be guaranteed a start, but could sneak into the final with a second tomorrow night.

SECOND ROUND
* The second and final round of Interdominion heats move to Newcastle tomorrow night.
* The New Zealanders have drawn well as they press for a place in Sunday week's A$1 million final.
* Baileys Dream will be aided by the scratching of a rival, meaning his barrier draw improves.
* His stablemate Monkey King will be redhot tomorrow night and remains favourite for the final.