Racing: Family affair leaves Kiwis out in the cold

Winforu needs to finish in the first five at Hobart on Sunday to make the Grand Final. Picture / Derek Flynn

All his life Luke McCarthy has wanted to follow in his father's footsteps - now he thinks it is time to reverse that role.

The Queensland-based horseman continued his unbeaten Interdominion campaign with Slipnslide when the speedster led throughout to beat Kiwi hope Winforu in the opening heat of the second night of the series last night.

The win confirmed that Slipnslide is now the biggest danger to series favourite Be Good Johnny, who is trained by McCarthy's father, John.

And while many people think of the two as stablemates Luke says there won't be any favours when the biggest cheque in Interdominion history is up for grabs on Sunday week.

"I would love to see Dad win an Interdominion with Johnny but I'd rather win it myself," said Luke.

"While we are working together as a family this horse is my project and I love him. He has been a great horse to me and I want him to win the final for himself as much as me."

Slipnslide was always the horse to beat last night as he wrested the lead effortlessly off Winforu, who crossed straight to the front from barrier two.

That proved to be a masterstroke from the latter's driver David Butcher as Slipnslide then had to cop all the mid-race pressure while Winforu enjoyed the trail.

When Slipnslide kicked clear at the top of the straight it looked for a moment as if Winforu may catch him but the winner was simply too good.

Still, Winforu's trainer Geoff Small was ecstatic.

"We get great points, didn't have a hard run and are a big step closer to the final so David did the right thing," said Small.

The placing means Winforu will need only to finish in the first five at Hobart on Sunday to make the Grand Final for the second year running.

The other three Kiwis in the race all performed with credit but of them only Foreal now looks to have a serious shot at the final.

She was trapped in midfield until late but flew home to secure seven points, putting her on 17 for the series, four behind Winforu.

Both Howard Bromac and Bobs Blue Boy were also game in defeat, with Howard Bromac having to be parked and then work hard to keep other challengers three wide.

He only faded late to fourth but is on 12 points, needing a miracle to make the final.

The same goes for Bobs Blue Boy, who staged a huge run from last at the bell to be challenging on the home turn before understandably peaking.

He is also on 12 points and both horses will be at huge odds to even make the final.

The other disappointment was first round winner Blacks A Fake, who came wide but failed to make much ground.