Former Inter Dominion champion Lennytheshark is going to the country for his final lead-up race to this year’s series.
David Aiken’s superstar will dominate the betting again despite a back row draw (gate nine) in Thursday’s $30,000 Group 3 Yarra Valley Cup (2650m).
The preferential draw means Lennytheshark will start from outside the back row, but with just nine runners it’s actually ideal as he’s two-out on the back row and should trail through well.
Main danger, former Kiwi star My Field Marshal, is drawn inside the back row (gate eight), which could prove tricky for driver Anthony Butt.
The other class runners in the Cup are Messini (gate seven), who returned to form winning the easier Swan Hill Cup last start, and speedy Tee Cee Bee Macray (six).
Driver Chris Alford reaffirmed his opinion that Lennytheshark was going as good as ever.
“It’s actually amazing. He just feels so sharp. He’s got that brilliance back,” he said.
“As good as he was going last season, he was a bit dour at times. He’s got that speed back now.
“He doesn’t usually run away them, but he’s doing that now. It’s a great feeling.
“David (Aiken) says he’s doing it at home as well and he did at the trials when he won by 20m and broke the track record at Shepparton last week.”
Alford is equally thrilled about the barrier draw.
“It’s helped my cause. I’d rather nine than eight where My Field Marshal has drawn,” he said.
The Yarra Valley Cup is race seven on Thursday at 6.49pm NZ time.
Adam Hamilton