Chasing hometown feature success

LOCAL horseman Dale Afford has a strong chance to enjoy some hometown feature success during the weekend.

Afford has runners in four of the eight races in Port Pirie on Saturday night, including the main event of the night – Kadina Cup.

Port Pirie is hosting the event for it’s fellow provincial club, with Afford poised to contest the Cup with Alakazam.

A last start winner at Globe Derby, Alakazam has registered four wins and two placings from eight starts since arriving from Victoria.

“He has done really well since he got here, but this will be his biggest test for us,” Afford said.

To be driven by Ryan Hryhorec, Alakazam has drawn the inside of the second row, which has seen the gelding kept safe in betting at $12.

Also victorious during his most recent outing, Secret Operation is listed as the $2.30 favourite despite drawing the outside of the front line.

“The draw has made it tricky,” Afford said. “I’ll have to see what Ryan wants to do.

“I’m sure if he gets the right run he can win, but you can say that for most of the others too.”

Earlier on the card Afford has Ultimate Trouble drawn to complete a hat-trick from the pole, while Indelible Mase gets the chance to notch consecutive wins from barrier three in his race.

“They are both going well and will go close again,” Afford said. “I’m concerned Ultimate Trouble may get crossed at the start, which won’t help.

“Indelible Mase will be hard to beat and I’d say he and Wesaidso in one of the other races are my best chances for the night.”