Geelong quarantine given all-clear

THE temporary Inter Dominion quarantine centre at Geelong passed its biggest test when given the approval of a key trainer yesterday.
New South Wales-based Peter Rixon, who puts the polish on gun five-year-old Divisive, joined Blacks A Fake's trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen to inspect the facility.
Rixon, who has one of Australia's most envied training complexes, was impressed with the work at Geelong.
"You'd have to be a hard-marker to knock this," Rixon said.
"There's been a hell of a lot of hard work go into it. They've done a great job.
"This will more than do the job for the seven days or so we'll be here."
Queensland and NSW Inter Dominion contenders enter quarantine in their home states, Rocklea in Queensland and Harold Park in NSW, on December 27.
They are due at Geelong by January 3 and could be out as early as seven days later.
Rixon added to the expectation that the unofficial start of the Melbourne Inter Dominion series will be January 19.
Queensland and NSW pacing stars such as Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny, Slipnslide and Rixon's Divisive will be out of the Geelong quarantine centre and ready to race at Moonee Valley by that date.
Although the Inter Dominion does not formally start until heats at Geelong on February 16, Harness Racing Victoria expects many key players from the series to step out at Moonee Valley on January 19.
"There are suitable races for both the open-class trotters and pacers," HRV's Shaun Kelly said.
"The trotters have the Knight Pistol Cup, and for the pacers there is the $50,000 Moonee Valley Cup."
Divisive will contest the Moonee Valley Cup if he pleases Rixon.
The January 19 meeting will also provide the start for a number of Kiwi stars.
Co-trainer Anthony Butt yesterday confirmed exciting trotter Mountbatten would contest the Knight Pistol and classy pacer Tribute would be in the Moonee Valley Cup.