Racing: Elsu in great order

A glance over the fence yesterday confirmed what Geoff Small wanted to see from stable star Elsu.

The muscular 5-year-old entire was charging around, alert and active - a good sign for the Patumahoe-based trainer after the opening round of qualifying heats of the 2005 Inter Dominion Pacing Series.

Elsu displayed brutal front-running power to win the final first round qualifying heat.

Rivals struggled to stay in contact with the series favourite as he coasted down the home stretch under a hold to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Hexus and Howard Bromac (third).

Elsu covered the 2200 metres in 2.40.6 (mile rate 1.57.5) with closing 800 metre and 400 metre sectionals of 56.8 seconds and 28.2 seconds.

Just An Excuse and Sokyola took out the other heats in 2.44.5 (mile rate 2.00.4) and 2.45.9 (mile rate 2.01.3) respectively.

Small and driver David Butcher could not hide their delight.

"Elsu was just cruising along out in front on Friday night and he made it look like a training gallop," said Small.

"He pulled up well after that race and was very full of himself on Saturday when I led him out into his paddock. He was charging around the paddock and looked very alert and well which is great.

"We have drawn barrier two in our qualifying heat on the second night of the Inter Dominion Championships on Tuesday night and that is fantastic.

"From the draw David does have a few options about what he wants to do.

"We can come out and have a look for the front but there is quite a bit of speed in this heat so we may end up looking for a sit just off the pace."

Bella's Boy (barrier one), Linford Christie ( three) and Flying Sands ( five) all have slick early speed from the mobile gate.

Proven stayers Bobs Blue Boy and Flashing Red will provide plenty of mid-race pressure on the leaders.