Not so confident despite training half the field

IF YOU think training half the field will make astute horseman Dale Afford confident, think again.

Despite preparing two of the four runners in the final event in Port Pirie tonight, Afford believes the pair will find it difficult to make their way into the winners’ circle.

Afford will be represented by Alakazam and Hesashark, with the geldings drawn three and five.

With White Star Whizz scratched from the pole, each runner will move in one position.

Afford will take the reins behind Hesashark, with Leah Holman to partner Alakazam.

“It looks a little bit awkward tonight,” Afford said. “They will probably be ‘Indian-file’ with my two being stuck three and four-back along the fence.

“We’ll have to see what the tempo is like as that will be the real trick.

“There is not much between my two and it will come down to what kind of run they get.”

Although he believes Alakazam and Hesashark are in fine condition, and solid form, Afford has no doubt Make Haste deserves to be a short-priced favourite from gate four.

“Make Haste will probably be in front and he is a descent horse, which will take some running down,” Afford said

“Ryan (Hryhorec) will probably make it a last quarter dash with Make Haste, who it’s not going to be easy.”