Racing: Beach training rescues campaign

Mister D G went on an Interdominion rollercoaster ride yesterday.

The one-time third favourite for the series is now certain to start in Friday night's opening round of heats after an outstanding workout yesterday morning.

Mister D G had been under an injury cloud after the wear and tear of a hard campaign forced trainer Tim Butt to send the gelding to beach trainer Michelle Wallis.

But Mister D G pulled up 100 per cent sound after yesterday's workout and Butt is now adamant the former Hunter Cup winner will make it through the series.

"Bernie Hackett drove him for us on the beach yesterday and he couldn't have been happier," said Butt.

"The main reason we sent him out to the beach was to ensure his problem didn't get any worse. But they have gone the other way and it sounds like it is getting better all the time."

That was the good news.

The bad news came hours later when the barrier draws for the opening heats were released and Mister D G copped the worst possible marble.

He will start from one on the second line behind slow beginner Ohoka Atom, with speedsters Sokyola, Te Kanarama and Winforu off the front line.

"That is not ideal but as long as Ants [driver Anthony Butt] can get him off the markers I am sure he will be all right," said Butt.

"A front-line draw would have been a lot better though."

The other pacer under a slight cloud before yesterday's fields were released, Coburg, also did enough in her semi-final workout to confirm a start.

"She worked well and the results of her blood test were good," said trainer Mike Berger.

"But I am not that thrilled about her barrier draw."

Coburg has drawn the outside of the front line in the final heat while veteran stablemate Facta Non Verba has not fared much better, drawing the second line in his heat.