By Michael Guerin
Just days ago Colin De Filippi did not think he could drive the winner of the Interdominion Grand Final. He should have known better.
De Filippi is in the middle of a winning streak that would make King Midas envious, and with the form he is in at the moment anything is possible.
The Canterbury horseman has been enjoying the ride of a lifetime behind the prince of pacing, unbeaten colt Courage Under Fire, the pair having racked up a record 15 wins on end.
That form has flowed through to De Filippi's other drives, with several other feature race wins this season, and now he is staring at a shot at the big one - the $400,000 Interdominion Pacing Championship on March 19.
De Filippi rated southern mare Adio Routine to perfection to win last night's first pacing heat at Alexandra Park, a victory that should virtually guarantee her a spot in the Grand Final.
And De Filippi admits the whole complexion of the great racing series has changed.
"When Christian Cullen was still in the series I thought that most of us were racing for second at best, and really I thought a mare like this would be lucky to make the final.
"But with him out and doubts over Agua Caliente it has brought the whole series closer together. We are all in with a chance now."
De Filippi admits he has to pinch himself sometimes this season to make sure he isn't dreaming.
"Driving a horse like Courage Under Fire and then winning races like these tonight with good horses is just magic. I hope it continues for a bit longer."
De Filippi's brilliant drive to stack up his opponents and sprint them home last night once again thwarted champion Australian driver Brian Hancock's attempt to break his New Zealand duck.
Hancock, driving Quantum Lobell, failed by a nose to catch Adio Routine and has yet to win a New Zealand race.
Pictured: Colin De Filippi. HERALD PICTURE / KENNY RODGER
Horse Racing: De Filippi zeroes in on big one
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