By Adam Hamilton
Superstar Kiwi mare The Orange Agent should put the icing on the cake of an already awesome week for Chris Alford.
Alford became the first driver in this part of the world to reach 6000 driving wins when he scored aboard Diamond Grace at Melton yesterday (Monday).
What’s amazing is how quickly he went from reaching 5000 wins in November, 2013, to adding another 1000.
The 6000 milestone came after 32 years in the sulky for Alford, who turns 49 this week.
And he’s won every race that matters in Australia, most of them multiple times.
“I’ve had so many great supporter along the way and been fortunate enough to be on so many fantastic horses,” Alford said.
“It was a huge thrill to have the family (wife Alison and younger children Katie and Sam) at Melton to the share the moment with me yesterday.”
While Alford rates Lennytheshark and Golden Reign as the best horses he’s driven, The Orange Agent ranks up with Tailamade Lombo as the best mare he’s taken the reins on.
It’s easy to see why given his breathtakingly impressive The Orange Agent has been winning her two runs in the Make Mine Cullen and Angelique Club Cup during this latest Aussie raid.
Now comes the main goal, the $100,000 Group 1 Queen Of The Pacific at Melton on Saturday night.
Judging by the ease of her past two wins, and the fact she will relish the longer 2760m trip, The Orange Agent looks to have this week’s race at her mercy.
That’s despite having no luck in the random barrier draw by landing gate 10 (three-out on the back row).
Another Kiwi, Rocker Band, who ran second to The Orange Agent in the Make Mine Cullen, has at least a place chance from gate three.
The other bigger names players in the race include: Ameretto (gate five), Milly Perez (six), Cyclone Kate (seven) and last week’s eye-catcher Bettor Downunder (nine).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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