Chasing second Inters win . . . at 77!

MORE than four decades after capturing the Inter Dominion, champion horseman Brian Gath is aiming for another victory in harness racing’s premier event.

Gath trained and drove Markovina to glory in the 1978 Inter Dominion Final at Moonee Valley, with the pacer also winning two of three heats.

Rating 2:05.2 over 2900 metres, Markovina scored from Hermosa Star and Velvet Prince.

This time around Gath, 77, will take the reins behind Illawong Stardust in the Trotters’ Final at Club Menangle on Saturday night after receiving a last-minute call from close friend Tony Peacock.

Local reinsman Luke McCarthy partnered Illawong Stardust during the heats, but is committed to driving Humble Ladd, which is trained by his wife, Belinda.

Third in the opening qualifier, Illawong Stardust was unplaced during the second round before sealing her position in the $150,000 Group One with a fourth on night three.

“I had her stabled with Luke during the heats and he was good enough to drive her for me,” Peacock said. “Luke has to drive one for Belinda, so there was no one I was going to ask other than Brian.

“Brian and I have been friends for a very long time and this could be the last chance for both of us to win an Inter Dominion.”

Although Illawong Stardust appears to have drawn poorly on the inside of the second row, Peacock believes the barrier could favour the daughter of Muscle Hill.

“It wouldn’t be a great draw over a sprint, but the Final is over 3009 metres and Menangle has a long straight,” Peacock said. “There will be plenty of time for her to get out.

“She was pretty tired after the third round, but has brightened right up this week.

“I just gave her a nice workout a few minutes ago and she felt sharp.

“She’s only a four-year-old, and really this is probably 12 months too early, but she has done a terrific job to get as far as she has.

“This is a great experience for her and she will be a lot better for it.

“Who knows, with a bit of luck Brian and I might be in the Final next year…maybe even as the defending winners!”