Racing: Super Queensland pacer is no Fake

Howard Bromac, rated the best of the New Zealanders before the series, was disappointing in finishing seventh. File picture

HOBART - All arguments over who should be the early favourite for the Interdominions ended just minutes after the series started.

Because one Blacks A Fake led throughout to equal the track record in the first heat and he was at the head of every market in Australasia to win the title.

The Queensland pacer led throughout to win in 1:55.5 for the mobile mile but it was more the arrogance with which the win was achieved than the time that will have rival trainers worried.

Leading into the series, which started in Tasmania last night, Blacks A Fake was an enigma - big on ability but light on experience at the top level.

But he belied that by showing blazing gate speed to lead, a new weapon in his arsenal which will be extremely potent on this front-runner's track.

It was the 19th win in just 24 career starts for the bold going pacer and after two heats last night he was the only horse anybody wanted to talk about.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for the Kiwis though, with both Napoleon and Articulator scoring big points in the first heat by finishing second and third.

Napoleon flashed home after being three deep on the markers, meaning he only needs a good draw and another placing in Wednesday night's heats to be almost guaranteed a place in the A$1.5 million ($1.7 million) final.

"I thought it was a great run considering we were never going to beat the winner," said Napoleon's driver Brent Mangos.

"That was about as good as we could have hoped for."

Driver Anthony Butt was also pleased with Articulator, who fought on well for third although he will need to improve to have any chance of winning the final.

The second heat also saw Mangos finishing second, this time with Alta Serena, who looked a certain winner at the 100m mark.

But the Pukekohe mare peaked on her run and was outfought by Flashing Red, who held on to provide the first upset of the series.

Another Kiwi, London Legend, was a luckless fourth while Howard Bromac, rated the best of the New Zealanders before the series, was disappointing in finishing seventh.

He was held up at a vital stage but still failed to show his usual fight in the home straight.

His trainer-driver Kirk Larsen was not overly concerned though, suggesting the longer heats of the series would suit better.

"Getting held up like that is not his go but I thought About To Rock would fight on better," said Larsen.

"When he didn't we were in trouble and lost momentum."

While most of the New Zealanders got good points the biggest concern was the tightness of the last bend on the new Elwick track.

With few of the Kiwi pacers in this series having genuine gate speed they now face the daunting task of trying to come from behind the Australians to beat them.

In a series this even that could be enough to see the Interdominion title won by Elsu last season head back across the Tasman.

Still, there is a long way to go yet.

* Slipnslide continued the Queensland domination in the third heat when he destroyed Lookslikelightning with a stunning performance.

After an easy first 800m, Lookslikelightning, who was heavily backed on track, looked to be travelling like a winner at the 600m but had no answer to Slipnslide.

He cruised clear at the top of the straight and won untouched with a 55.4 second last 800m.

Lookslikelightning held second while South Auckland pacer Winforu ran on well for third, just edging out Cams Fool.

The latter trailed the leader but did not handle the final bend and will need to improve a lot to be a winning chance in the final, if he even makes it.

Winforu though looks a far better chance of being in the final though because if he draws well at Launceston on Wednesday he has the gate speed to stay handy.

Another placing would have him all but in the final field.

* Foreal continued a solid opening night for the Kiwis with a gutsy second in the final heat.

The Canterbury mare had to work early and then came three wide on the home bend before going down to Be Good Johnny.

The winner extended the incredible Queensland domination of opening night, with all four heats going to the Sunshine State.

While he wasn't as dominant as Blacks A Fake or Slipnslide, Be Good Johnny was just as impressive as he came from last on a track where that has looked impossible.

"And I think he still has a fair bit of improvement in him," warned trainer-driver John McCarthy.

The hard luck story of the race was Bobs Blue Boy, with the New Zealand pacer locked away at the line, never getting a run.

SERIES BEGINS

* The first event of the Interdominions was dominated by Blacks A Fake.

* New Zealand horses fail to secure a win but still pick up points.

* The tightness of the final bend is worrying.

* The second round of heats is on Wednesday in Launceston