Punters are torn after night one of the Inter Dominion heats at Gloucester Park in Perth.
Do you go with the reigning series champion, Lennytheshark, who couldn’t have been more impressive winning his heat on Friday night, or the new kid on the block, stablemate Hectorjayjay, who also looks to have gone to another level?
David Aiken is in the box seat, that’s for sure. The Avenel horseman trains both Lenny and Hector. Winning two Inter Dominion heats on one night is a special feat.
Josh Aiken drove Hectorjayjay to victory in a mile rate of 1:53.6 – the quickest of the night – in the 2130-metre race.
“He had to work to get there, he copped mid-race pressure and then he still ripped home in a 27 quarter,” winning reinsman Josh Aiken said post-race.
“I was confident. He travelled well whole race. We had to work in the middle … that brings horses like bling it on Restrepo into the race, so I was rapt he still had kick in at end.”
Kick away he did. At the home bend Hectorjayjay booted clear of runner-up Run Oneover and third placegetter Franco Nelson, both trying hard but not making any inroads.
“Each run is going to tighten him up,” Aiken said. “He’ll keep getting better throughout the series.”
Hectorjayjay had to burn some petrol early as Exciteusinthecity held up from the pole for a few strides, and once in front, Hector copped heat throughout with a 56.8 middle half.
None of it mattered as Hectorjayjay, a six-year-old by Dream Away out of Sheer Finesse, ripped home in 27.4.
Simply Susational finished fourth with Bling It On fifth.
The next round of heats will be held at Bunbury on Tuesday night.
Cody Winnell
Roar Guru
Hi Steve, Your fears re Lenny are perfectly reasonable, though I don't necessarily agree with them. I think he's going better than this time last year and he handled it then. That said, it's a deeper series this year. Hector is favourite, and deservedly so, Lenny clear second pick in market, but I rate Smolda the third realistic chance of winning. His run in the first heat was outstanding and you just know Mark Purdon will only keep this boy getting better. Drawn awkwardly again tomorrow night... so maybe Smolda gets lucky for the final. Cody.
Steve
Guest
For some reason I think Lenny is vulnerable, but I have a query on whether Hector will handle the amount of racing. Could you see anything upsetting the apple cart? -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.