Callaghan's Big Call

Nerano NZ - ID2024 H3. Photo by Dan Costello.

YOUNG gun driver, Jack Callaghan, has delivered a surprise pre-race twist for Saturday night’s $500,000 Inter Dominion pacing final at Menangle.

Callaghan had the choice of driving Jason Grimson stablemates Nerano and Curly James and the vast majority expected him to go with the latter given he is a $12 shot and Nerano a $34 outsider.

But Callaghan, 23, who boasts over 700 and seven at Group 1 level, confirmed he would partner Nerano from outside the front row (gate eight).

“I sat on it for a few days,” he said. “I wanted to wait until they had their last workouts.

“I’m going with Nerano. His past two runs have been terrific and if there’s a solid tempo, I think he’ll be dangerous late.”

This will be Callaghan’s fourth Inter Dominion pacing final drive, having finished third on Alta Orlando in 2021, 12th on Spirit Of St Louis in 2022 and fourth on the pacer last year.

Callaghan’s decision paves the way for his good friend, Cam Hart, to drive Curly James.

Hart’s driven in five pacing finals for a win on I Cast No Shadow in 2022 and third aboard Swayzee last year.

Curly James and Nerano give Grimson a chance of Inter Dominion history at just 29 years of age.

He is chasing his third pacing final win in the past four years and all with different horses.

The only trainers to have won pacing finals with three different pacers are Hall of Famers Mark Purdon and Brian Hancock.