THOROUGHBRED

The Inter Dominion Pacing Championships get under way at Gloucester Park in Perth Western Australia, where it all began back in 1936.

All races were over 1700 m and it was anticipated that the action would be on from the outset.

Heat one : Washakie took the early lead Auckland Reactor poised beautifully one - one. Easing three wide on the final bend, Auckland Reactor raced to the front over closing stages to score in a mile rate 1-53.7, last half mile 56.7 the quarter 29.1 from a game Washakie with Wrongly Accused. Trained in Christchurch by Mark Purdon who wasn't in attendance and driven by Anthony Butt, Auckland Reactor registered his 30th victory in 43 outings. Anthony Butt was full of praise for Auckland Reactor, saying that he travelled beautifully throughout the race and ran to the wire strongly.

Heat two : Went the way of W.A. trainer Peter Tilbrook's 5Y0 entire Crombie in a rate of 1-55.9, last half 56.4, quarter 28.3. Bred in Victoria by Shepparton's Ian Chambers and partners, Crombie driven by Chris Lewis who is no stranger to Inter Dominion success. Crombie from outside the front row had no option but to go back at the start, with the pole marker Rocket Reign easily retaining the front running. When Mysta Magical Mac commenced a forward move from four back Crombie followed him for a three wide trail home. Taken to the centre of the track on straightening, Crombie charged home to score from the fast finishing Can Return Fire down the outside fence after settling three back in the running line, with Rocket Reign third after looking the winner on the home turn. Mr Feelgood finished fourth after facing the breeze, with Mysta Magical Mac a game fifth. The favourite Raglan never saw daylight at any stage, going to the wire hard held.

Heat three : Smoken Up trained by Lance Justice and driven by brother John started as favourite in the third heat and didn't let his supporters down, recording a 1-53.8 victory. Smoken Up had little difficulty in parking outside the leader Saucy Legend, with Justice putting the foot down to lead for the final circuit. Running his last half in 57.2, quarter 28.2, Smoken Up played with his rivals to score by 1.6 metres from Dasher VC who was three wide the last lap and Saucy Legend third. Hesa Buzzin was fourth after being on - one with a circuit to travel and being held up approaching the home turn, Cromac Johnny was fifth. Noble gave a stern warning after the race that there was plenty of improvement in the horse who will be cherry ripe for the Final.

Heat four : The pride of Western Australia - Im Themightyquinn started as favourite and won easily in 1-56.5. Trained by Gary Hall and driven by son Gary (Jnr), Has The Answers easily retaining the front running with Im Themightyquinn taking the one - one trailing Lombo Navigator. With quarters of 30.4, 30.8, for the first half of the mile after a lead time of 5.9 seconds, they were always going to run home at an electric rate and they did in quarters of 28.5 and 26.8. Easing three wide in the last lap, Im The Mightyquinn picked up Has The Answers in a stride on straightening to score by 5.4 metres, with Son Of Fergie third after trailing the pacemaker. Little Sonny Bill and Artorius finished fourth and fifth. A 7yo gelded son of Washington Vc and Love Sign, Im Themightyquinn did his early racing under the care of Peter Bagrie in Christchurch before crossing the Tasman to join the Hall camp, he has 36 wins and 27 placings from 81 race appearances. Further heats continue on Monday. February 20.