By Adam Hamilton
WE now have a clear Perth Inter Dominion favourite.
Lennytheshark has always promised to make a Grand Circuit superstar and, judging by his Smoken Up Sprint win last Friday night at Melton, he’s ready to deliver.
Driver Chris Alford has long warned how dangerous Lennytheshark would be driven off the pace.
We saw it last Friday and it was stunning.
An early speed burn between Keayang Cullen, who eventually got to the front, and Avonnova opened-up the field and allowed Alford to get Lenntheshark easily away from an inside back row draw.
Alford launched with a booming run from midfield approaching the last bend and the race was over in the blink of an eye.
Lennytheshark raced away to win by 10.6m from a gallant leader, Keayang Cullen, while Avonnova made some late ground along the sprint lane for third.
And the time was a brilliant 1min52.8sec for 1720m capped by closing splits of 55.2 and 27sec.
“That was exciting,” Alford said. “ I think he concentrates a bit better back in the field. He’s definitely better coming from off the speed.
“And he pulled-up with a heart rate like he hadn’t been around.
“David’s timed his preparation really well. He’s heading there just where we want him.
“He’s only got to stay together and he’s definitely the horse they all have to beat.”
Lennytheshark firmed from $4 into $3.50 Inter Dominion favourite with the Aussie TAB.
Alford has no concerns over the return to traditional format – four runs in two weeks – or the small Gloucester Park track.
“He’s tough and thrives on racing so he will love the four runs,” Alford said.
“And the track doesn’t worry me at all. He’ll be fine.”
While trainer Ian Gurney was pleased with Avonnova’s run, his other stable star Our Hi Jinx gave him a fright.
Our Hi Jinx sat one-one, but was struggling on the final bend and weakened to run last.
“He pulled-up with the thumps. The vet says he’ll be fine so we’re pushing ahead,” he said.
“Avonnova went well. They really went hard early and he still finished it off well. I wish he’d been able to hold the lead, but Keayang Cullen just had too much speed.”
Keayang Cullen is not going to Perth.
The other Inter Dominion runners in the Smoken Up were: Flaming Flutter (sixth), Blazin N Cullen (seventh), Easy On The Eye (eighth) and Cold Major (ninth).
The plane carrying all the Inter Dominion horses to Perth leaves tomorrow (Sunday).
It’s a big flight for Alford with another two of his glamour drives – Larry Eastman’s pair Menin Gate and Milly Perez – also onboard.
Menin Gate is headed to the feature four-year-old races, while Milly Perez will tackle the major mares’ races.
“I’m really looking forward it. I’ve got some great drives and it’ll be great to return to the old Inter Dominion format,” Alford said.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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