HE led from the barriers as he wanted to do and still held the advantage as the home straight loomed, but former Bathurst resident John McCarthy was not in front with his chance Washakie when it mattered most in Sunday's $1million Inter Dominion Grand Final at Menangle Park.

For the second year in a row the now six-year-old Washakie qualified for the Group One showpiece and McCarthy was hopeful of doing well after the barrier draw gifted him pole position.

Punters also thought McCarthy, who is now based at Logan Village, Queensland, may be a contender as they backed him into a $5.60 chance, but when it came time for the final sprint it was $3.70 second elect Blacks A Fake who stole the limelight.

Also from the sunshine state, Blacks A Fake is a horse that McCarthy has frequently raced against and ahead of Sunday's 2300 metre contest he had nominated Natalie Rasmussen's star as one of the major threats.

He was right.

Blacks A Fake did it the hard way by racing three-wide for the last 800 metres, but in doing so made it an historic fourth Inter Dominion title, adding to his successes in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The victory came in a world record 1:53.8 mile rate and saw saw Blacks A Fake become the richest standardbred of all time with earnings of $4,179,693.

"What can I say? He is a sensational horse, I love him," a delighted Rasmussen said of her nine-year-old Fake Left gelding.

"I keep telling everyone that Blackie is fast and he showed that out there. The old bugger really felt strong on the line."

Having placed fourth in the Inter Dominion Consolation with Be Good Johnny ($9.90) earlier in the afternoon, McCarthy got the start he wanted in the day's feature after going from barrier one.

The lead time was run in 48.0 seconds and the first half in a quick 58.5 (30.0, 28.5), but there was still pressure on the former Bathurst butcher.

Our Awesome Armbro sat behind the frontrunner while Blacks A Fake was one-out two-back just in front of $2.20 race favourite Monkey King with a lap to travel.