Two of the four annual Grand Circuit races for trotters in New Zealand are handicaps and, as happens with the handicapping of the NZ Cup for pacers, it is common to have just one trotter handicapped in the Dominion Handicap. Take A Moment NZ was the lone backmarker, penalised 10 metres in a field of 13.

Four days after the ordinary effort of Take A Moment NZ in the big Free-For-All, trainer Tim Butt announced the horse was not as sore as it was after that opening leg to the Grand Circuit. “We have been playing catch-up all week, but we still have three days to get him right, and I think he will be there on the day of the race.”

One trotter who would not be there was Special Force NZ. The 1999 Inter Dominion Champion who had impressed driver Colin De Filippi with its fourth to Last Sunset NZ, had torn a tendon in a hind leg. Respected Christchurch veterinarian Dr Bill Bishop told connections the tendon could have been suspect for some time. It would be the second major injury to sideline this fine performer. Special Force NZ had missed much of 2000 with a leg injury.

Co-trainer Dave McGowan told the press that this latest set-back did not seem as serious as the earlier injury. "But we are looking at a three or four months spell, so all the good races will be gone by then. I am sure the horse will be back,” McGowan added, thinking about the 2003 Inter Dominion at Addington.

Whether Waihemo Hanger NZ campaigned in Melbourne depended largely on how it performed in the two-mile handicap. The trotter had shown he was not always reliable away from a standing start.

Mark Purdon was aware part-owner Dan Mielicki was keen for the horse to contest the Bill Collins Mile at Moonee Valley. However, the trainer explained how he felt the horse might benefit more in the long term by not rushing into the deep end too quickly. “I know the horse’s capabilities,” said Purdon, “I am of the opinion he would be among the top four trotters we have here right now. I have not finalised a program for him just yet, as I want to see how he performs this week.”