Marshal among Inter noms

RISING star New Zealand pacer Field Marshal has joined the growing list of Inter Dominion nominations.

Bolstered by the five-year-old’s trial at Menangle yesterday, trainer Tim Butt lodged the required forms this afternoon.

A multiple Group One winner, Field Marshal was given a short break after finishing second in last month’s The Blacks A Fake at Albion Park.

Two starts earlier the son of Art Major captured the Len Smith Mile, beating 2015 Inter Dominion champion Lennytheshark and this season’s runner-up, Hectorjayjay.

“I was very happy with the way he trialled,” Butt said. “He enjoyed a brief freshen up and feels fantastic.

“The Inter Dominion is definitely on the agenda providing everything stays as it is and his form is up to it.

“I expect him to go to another level this time in, which he will have to in order of being an Inter Dominion contender.”

Planning to race the stallion at Menangle next week, Butt has set the Victoria Cup as Field Marshal’s first major target.

The Grand Circuit event will also play a key role in confirming the trip across the Nullarbor.

Should Field Marshal head to Western Australia, he will remain throughout the summer to contest the Western Australia and Fremantle Cups at Gloucester Park in January.

The Inter Dominion is scheduled to begin with heats at the same venue on November 24.

“I will race him at Menangle next week, then a fortnight later and again a week after that,” Butt said. “Those three runs will have him at his top before we head down for the Victoria Cup.

“If he earns his place in the Inter Dominion we will stay over there for the Cups in the New Year as they are great races for terrific money.”