Champion Victorian harness racing trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin are embarking on a highly unconventional campaign for the upcoming Inter Dominion series with their star trotting mare, Susan Is Her Name. The six-year-old mare, renowned for her talent, is set to contest the series, which commences at Albion Park on July 4, having not competed for nearly 14 months.

Despite the lengthy absence, Susan Is Her Name remains a significant contender, listed as the second favourite for the $500,000 Inter Dominion trotting final at $5. She trails only the local favourite, Gus, who is priced at $1.60. Susan Is Her Name has an impressive record from just 17 starts, boasting 11 wins and five placings, and notably, she is the only trotter to have defeated the formidable mare Keayang Zahara.

A Fresh Approach for a Fragile Talent

Susan Is Her Name's last outing was a Group 1 Macarthur Mile victory on May 10 of the previous year. Her preparations for the Inter Dominion have involved a successful trial at Melton on April 28, with another scheduled for tomorrow. This upcoming trial will see her compete against a field of accomplished pacers, including stablemate Pre Eminant, who is targeting the Queensland Oaks. This strategic pairing aims to provide Susan Is Her Name with a strong racing hitout.

Trainer's Confidence Despite Layoff

Trainer Emma Stewart expressed confidence in their unusual preparation strategy, highlighting that the mare performs better with rest rather than continuous racing. Stewart elaborated on their approach, aiming to keep Susan Is Her Name fresh for the series. The mare's performance in her first trial was deemed excellent, and her condition at home has been consistently good. The decision to race her against pacers in the upcoming trial is a deliberate move to ensure she receives a rigorous workout.

Inter Dominion Challenges and Opportunities

Stewart indicated that the demanding Inter Dominion format, requiring three races over two weeks (two heats and a final), would not pose an issue for Susan Is Her Name, given her established talent. The primary concern for the training team revolves around the track conditions at Albion Park. The absence of star stablemates Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini from the Inter Dominion series has further elevated Susan Is Her Name's importance within Stewart and Tonkin's campaign, with Stewart noting that the field has "thinned out" and is now "certainly very winnable."

Expanded Queensland Raid

Susan Is Her Name is part of an extensive contingent of 12 to 13 horses that Stewart and Tonkin plan to campaign in Brisbane. Ten horses are booked on a truck, while their two-year-old runners, Protostar, will travel by plane. Comeandsee and Cardigan Gem are confirmed starters for Protostar, with Staunton also a strong possibility. The stable's pacing hopefuls, Bay Of Biscay and Oliver Dan, are set to compete in Saturday night's free-for-all at Melton. Meanwhile, stablemate Fox Dan will commence his Brisbane campaign against notable competitors in the Group 1 Rising Sun on July 4. Additionally, Arrhythmia, the NSW Oaks winner, is also slated to trial at Melton tomorrow before targeting the Queensland Oaks.