Eight Southland and Otago-trained horses have been nominated for this year's Interdominions at Alexandra Park.
Recently crowned Otago horse of the year Majestic Man spearheads a seven-strong team of trotters who will contest the three-heat competition.
The 5yr-old is one of two entrants for Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson, alongside last year's grand final third placegetter Monty Python.
Majestic Man is the third favourite for the trotting final behind former stablemate Oscar Bonavena and Sundees Son.
Williamson's son, Nathan, has his injury-plagued mare, Dark Horse, nominated for the series.
The trainer-driver recently reported the trotter was progressing well after overcoming minor problems that are likely to see her miss the New Zealand Cup Carnival.
The remaining southern trotters nominated for the series are Theodosia, Sundons Wish, War Machine and King Cassidy.
Just nine of the 66 horses nominated for the trotting series are from Australia.
Neither the defending pacing nor trotting champion will be at Alexandra Park to defend the crowns won at Melton last year.
Trotting winner Tornado Valley was not nominated because he has difficulties with travel.
Pacing champion Tiger Tara was a shock omission from the final acceptances.
The horse's poor recent form has led to trainer Kevin Pizzuto opting to plan a summer trip to Perth with his star stallion.
A strong contingent of 28 Australian horses is among the 55 pacers nominated for the series.
The New Zealand nominees include New Zealand Cup favourite Spankem and breakout winter star Self Assured.
Their stablemate, Turn It Up was not among the nominations after the horse failed to satisfy trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmuessen following minor leg surgery.
The problem, which means the horse was unable to be aimed at the New Zealand Cup, will keep the horse away from the races indefinitely.
Sagwitch is the only Otago or Southland horse nominated for the Interdominion pacing series.
