By Michael Guerin
MELBOURNE - The Auckland Trotting Club has one more Interdominion battle to win this week.
Three weeks ago the Interdominions, which start at Alexandra Park on March 5, had a few problems.
Racing's greatest drawcard Christian Cullen was doubtful, fellow southern star Iraklis was in the worst form of his career and just how many Aussies would want to take on the superstar Kiwis was in question.
But the news has just kept getting better.
Two-time Aussie Interdom champ Our Sir Vancelot confirmed for the series last week and earlier this week the big gun, Christian Cullen, was also confirmed.
His trainer Brian O'Meara is happy the champion will be spot on for Auckland, saying the 4-year-old looks good enough to race in tomorrow night's Hunter Cup.
Christian Cullen cannot start tomorrow night, however, after being treated with antibiotics after suffering travel sickness upon arriving in Melbourne two weeks ago.
"But he is over that now and Auckland is our aim," said O'Meara in what would be music to the ATC's ears.
And now Iraklis' trainer Robert Cameron says his star is coming back to his best in time for Auckland too.
Iraklis' form went from bad to pathetic after the Miracle Mile but he made ground well for fifth in Holmes D G's sprint-home Victoria Cup win a fortnight ago.
"That was a far better run and he is starting to feel like his old self," Cameron said.
Iraklis arrived in Victoria six weeks ago at a crossroads in his career.
The 6-year-old seemed more interested in being a stallion than a racehorse.
"He was in a bad mood and didn't want to be around people or horses, but he is a different horse now," Cameron said.
Cameron believes Iraklis has blossomed this week and he rates the giant pacer as a realistic chance in tomorrow night's $A400,000 Hunter Cup even though he faces a 20m handicap.
"At his best he is capable of winning it from there and I think he is back to his best."
The problem facing Iraklis is the same problem facing the ATC - Holmes D G.
The Victoria Cup winner is clearly the second best pacer in Australasia and his clash with Christian Cullen would be the dream Interdominions for the ATC.
But training legend Barry Purdon will not confirm an Interdom start for Holmes D G.
Holmes D G is still six months away from reaching full muturity and Purdon is leaving his options open.
He could dodge Christian Cullen and four hard races at the Interdoms yet still return to Australia for the $A200,000 Chariots Of Fire, restricted to 4-year-olds, in Sydney in April.
"We will get through the Hunter Cup then we will look at our options," Purdon said.
"We'd love to be in the Interdoms at home but we have to do what is best for the horse."
The one saving grace for the ATC in their pursuit of Holmes D G would be an easy win to the even money favourite tomorrow night.
That may convince Purdon an Interdom series at home is too much to pass up.
Horse Racing: Win may lead to dream match-up
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