Racing: Alexandra Park lures record Australian field

Robert Death's Interdominion dream came true yesterday and it was better than he could have hoped for.

Alexandra Park's racing boss was the man entrusted with luring a record number of Australians to the carnival, which starts in just 10 days' time.

He exceeded even his own lofty expectations.

When final payments for the series closed yesterday afternoon, a record 22 Australians - 15 pacers and seven trotters - had paid up for the series.

Death had optimistically set himself a target for 10 pacers and five trotters from Australia, so he was beaming.

"The response from the Australians have been a staggering and we couldn't be happier," said Death.

The overall strength of the series is better than we could have imagined."

The connections of 41 pacers and 35 trotters made the final payments, meaning there are likely to be two emergencies in the pacing section, but the trotting section will be trimmed to 26 starters plus emergencies.

The only big name to pull out yesterday was trotter Rosscoe, whose trainer, Tony Milina, did not believe the gelding would benefit from the all-mobile series.

West Australian pacer Lively Medley was another withdrawal but he was only ever 50-50 to make the long trip.

The final acceptances and emergencies will be declared tomorrow.