Chris Alford and Lennytheshark with their game faces on.
Lennytheshark made it back-to-back 4YO & 5YO Championship wins last night at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Only two horses had ever done it before, the great mare Tailamade Lombo and modern day superstar Smoken Up – and Lenny displayed true champion qualities last night after scorching through a 27.6secs second quarter and a 29.3secs third split, forced to work overtime to find the top when he came hunting at the bell.
Anthony Butt (Major Secret) had been riding the breeze outside race leader Bryce Cooper and he wasn’t eager to simply let Lenny cruise by.
Alford had to go full-throttle well before he’d envisaged and Lennytheshark finally got to the front turning out of the straight the final time.
Desperately in need of some reprieve Alford applied the brakes in a bid to save Lenny up for one final burst to the wire.
Off the back Major Secret hit the wall and Hectorjayjay and Simone Walker arose three-wide to stake their claim.
Hectorjayjay clearly headed the Shark on the bend but you got the feeling there was another twist in the tale as Alford got to work.
Although the pair went stride for stride in the early part of the home run, and logic suggested this would be Hectorjayjay’s night, the Shark was not going to be culled without one hell of a fight.
Lennytheshark rallied and stuck his head back in front, Hectorjayjay valiant but simply not able to match his rival.
Chilli Palmer was the one final hurdle Lennytheshark had to clear as the powerful pacer thundered down the centre of the track late and got past Hectorjayjay.
But he couldn’t nab Lenny, falling 1.2m short.
The winner rated 1:55.9 after a 27.3 third quarter.
“The speed was slow early so I had to make a decision and when I went I went quick,” Alford said.
“Anthony Butt kicked up, which made things a bit awkward for me.
“Hectorjayjay probably got 2m on me on the corner … but being as good as Lenny is he dug deep.”
Hectorjayjay held on for third with Hotasel (Simon Jardine) working home with Upanatom for fourth and fifth.
The win was Lennytheshark’s 19th from 38 starts.
