Tough draw for returning Inter hero

INTER Dominion hero Maori Law will take the first step towards matching one of the modern day greats when he returns to racing on Saturday night.

Kept fresh since capturing the industry’s ‘Holy Grail’ at Club Menangle on December 11, Maori Law is set to tackle the E B Cochran Cup in Ballarat.

Pleased with the trotter’s preparation, co-trainer Emmett Brosnan is quietly confident the son of Lawman can return on a winning note.

Brosnan, who prepares his team with his father Richard, is using the feature as a “starting point” for Maori Law as he works towards the Great Southern Star at Tabcorp Park Melton on February 4.

Winner of the last two editions of the Group One, Tornado Valley is the only squaregaiter to secure the Inter Dominion and Great Southern Star.

Taking nothing away from Tornado Valley’s achievement, the Inter Dominion was scrapped in 2013 before returning in 2018 – the year the Andy Gath-trained gelding won!

The Great Southern Star was launched in 2013 as a result of the Inter Dominion’s demise.

As for Maori Law, his pending assignment has been made all the more difficult with a second row draw.

“He is feeling great,” Brosnan said. “He’s worked up really well and is ready to run a solid race.

“He’s going into it without a trial, so will need the run, but is going well enough to be in the finish.

“Saturday night is a good starting point to keep him progressing over the next few weeks to be ready for the Great Southern Star.”

TAB Fixed Odds have Maori Law listed as the $2.70 second elect, with Im Ready Jet a narrow favourite at $2.60.

A member of the strong Anton Golino stable, Im Ready Jet has drawn inside Maori Law along the back line.

“Im Ready Jet is the one to beat,” Brosnan said. “That said, you’ve also got to respect the likes of Majestic Man and Sundons Courage from the front.

“Whatever our bloke does this week he will certainly be better for the run.”