Chris Alford and Cantfindabettorman. Photo courtesy HRNSW. Photo by Brett Atkins
THE Inter Dominion renaissance of champion driver Chris Alford has him poised to add a third win in the sport’s biggest event.
Alford, 56, has re-written just about every record in the sport, including a haul of over 8000 winners, almost 2000 more than any other Australasian driver.
He was just 26 when he teamed with the great Golden Reign to win one of the iconic Inter Dominion pacing finals at Addington in Christchurch in 1995.
Alford had to wait another 20 years for his second and only other final win aboard Lennytheshark in the 2015 Perth pacing final.
Now in the twilight of his career, Alford flexed his muscle to be the star of opening night of this year’s Inter Dominion with a driving double – Cantfindabettorman and Queen Elida – at Newcastle last Friday night.
The odds say he’s a great chance of repeating the dose on night two at Bathurst on Wednesday.
Star Victorian mare Queen Elida, who led throughout win easily at Newcastle, is $1.65 favourite from barrier four at Bathurst.
While the rejuvenated Cantfindabettorman is $4.20 second elect despite a back row draw (gate 10) in his Bathurst pacing heat.
“It didn’t surprise me they both won (at Newcastle),” Alford said. “Cantfindabettorman has been absolutely flying at home (Victoria), while ‘Lil’ (trainer Brent Lilley) said he had Queen Elida back where he wanted her and we know how good she is when she’s right.”
While Alford, who has driven in combined 23 Inter Dominion pacing and trotting finals, had an easy time leading throughout on Queen Elida, it was his daring drive on Cantfindabettorman at Newcastle which stole the show.
We may not see a better drive in the series.
Just as the leaders, including favourite Blacksdance, slowed the tempo in front, Alford unleashed Cantfindabettorman from back in the field, looped around his rivals and took the lead.
“They weren’t going to beat him then,” Alford said. “He’s fit, in peak form and has a terrific turn of speed, I thought it was worth the risk to try a move like that.
“He’s a pro, so once he found the front, he relaxed beautifully again and I knew I had them covered a long way out.
“He can win, he can win the final. He’s had a fantastic grounding and with the big guns (Leap To Fame and Swayzee) missing, this is a winnable final.”
Alford isn’t fazed by the back row on Wednesday night.
“Before the other night, I’d only driven him as a chaser and he loves it,” he said. “There’s a bit of speed off the front and if they go hard early, he’ll be right in the finish again.”
Queen Elida grabbed favouritism for an open trotting series after her opening night win.
The six-year-old has shown her class at the top level with thirds to champion Just Believe in the past two Inter Dominion finals at Melton and Albion Park.
“A bit like the pacing series, with Just Believe not in the trotters’, it opens it up. This mare has shown many times she’s as good as anything outside of him,” Alford said.
“She’s had foot issues at times, but felt great the other night and if she stays well and holds that sort of form, she’ll be very hard to beat.”
