Speak The Truth Photo by Dan Costello
QUEENSLAND trainer Shannon Price is channelling Brian Hancock in her hometown, Ladbrokes Inter Dominion.
Price admits her decision to take stable star Speak The Truth fresh into the series was something she gleaned from spending time with Hancock, who earned the tag "Inter Dominion King" for his fantastic record in the sport's marquee event.
"I spent some time with Brian during a few Inter Dominions, and that's what he'd do … take his horses in fresh with a bit of condition so they can build through the series," she said. "Brian had a lot of luck doing that, and I hope it works for me."
Speak The Truth was first-up since running a terrific fifth in the inaugural TAB Eureka on September 2 when he tackled his first Inter Dominion heat at Albion Park last Friday night.
Although he only beat two rivals home, Price was thrilled with the run.
"He was always up against it from the draw, but he finished it off well. His sectional times were terrific," she said.
"He worked really well here before the first race the week before, and with that run under his belt, he should run a big race Tuesday."
"I was hoping for a good draw (Tuesday), and he got it. Hopefully, he can find the front, and the times he can run will make him hard to catch."
Speak The Truth has 13 wins from just 22 starts, and driver Adam Sanderson will be hunting for the lead on a front line where Deux Ex (gate four) and Petes Said So (one) are the other slick beginners.
But he also has to contend with Swayzee, who is chasing his 11th win from as many starts for trainer Jason Grimson.
The worst possible draw (gate eight, inside back row) means punters will be able to get on Swayzee on Tuesday. He's the $2 favourite.
Driver Cam Hart will have to decide whether to snag right back to get away from the inside or push through and settle what would likely be three back on the pegs.
Either way, Swayzee will need luck and/or have to do something amazing to win again, especially if Speak The Truth finds the lead.
The race is also crucial for star Victorian pacer Rock N Roll Doo after he beat just two rivals home from a bad draw on night one.
Cruelly, Rock N Roll Doo has drawn terribly again in gate seven (outside the front).
It's by far the strongest heat of night two, with another opening night heat winner, Future Assured, adding to the depth.
The Jess Tubbs-trained Better Eclipse was so impressive winning on opening night that he should be able to overcome a wide back row draw (gate 11) in Tuesday's second heat.
The other big watch runner is Jason Grimson's Nerano, who ran home well for second to Leap To Fame on night one but has a wide draw (seven) to overcome.
Leap To Fame also has a back-row draw (gate nine) but looks classes above his rivals in the third heat tomorrow night.
Dual Miracle Mile placegetter Spirit Of St Louis should lead from gate two and needs big points after a solid showing from a bad draw on night one.
Nullarbor winner Betterzippit returned from a spell with a sound fourth on opening night and will need to run well again despite a wide draw (seven) to keep his hopes alive for a Grand Final start.
