By Adam Hamilton.
CHAMPION driver Chris Alford admits disappointment and sadness took the edge of one of his biggest nights.
Alford posted his 5500th career win on star pacer Lennytheshark in last night’s Markovina free-for-all at Melton.
He also won the other two “majors” on the night with Nicole Molander-trained pair Will Mach My Word (Group 2 Melton Plate) and Keystone Del (Group 3 Scotch Notch Trot).
Then Alford heard the news the owners of Keystone Del, Pat and Mick Hall, were taking the megastar trotter off Keystone Del.
It almost certainly means Alford won’t drive the gelding anymore, but that was the last thing on his mind.
“It’s not about. I just feel sorry for Nicole and Dean after the great job they’ve done with him,” he said.
“He went super again last night. He broke the track record again and went quicker than Will Mach My Word did in the Melton Plate.”
Alford praised the job Molander has done with the much-improved Will Mach My Word, who led throughout to beat gifted rivals Yankee Rockstar and Major Crocker in the Melton Plate.
“He’s improved so much. When I was able to get it pretty easy in front early I knew he’d be hard to rundown,” he said.
Will Mach My Word ripped home in 55.4 and 27.1sec to win by 3m in a 1min57.2sec mile rate for 2240m.
The win came just minutes after the Molanders were given the news about Keystone Del.
Nicole Molander said she was lucky to be given Will Mach My Word, who started out with Geoff Webster, to train at the right stage of his career.
“He’d always shown talent, but had to have some bone chips removed from his knees and then a long spell,” she said.
“He’s a lovely horse who got the perfect run in front and won well, but I’m not aiming for the big races yet. I’ll just take him through the grades.”
Back to Alford and the win of Lennytheshark, who showed sparkling speed at a crucial stage.
It was a clear improvement on his slightly lacklustre first-up defeat and showed Lennytheshark was right on song for the Perth Inter Dominion.
“That speed he showed when Greg Sugars (driving Flaming Flutter) wanted to kick-up and hold the lead was fantastic. He just whooshed to the front when I asked him,” Alford said.
“There are no standouts in Perth and Lenny will be heading their at the top of his game.
“I’m sure the old format of the three heats and final will really suit him.”
Although Lennytheshark has lead in so many of his major races, Alford insist he will be at his best coming off the speed.
“The zip he has is awesome. I can’t wait for the series to start,” he said.
Lennytheshark is likely to have one last lead-up run in the Smoken Up at Melton on November 13.
The Perth Inter Dominion starts at Gloucester Park on November 27.
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