ASTUTE horseman Dale Afford is unsure how to rate Hesashark’s chances ahead of Saturday night’s Port Pirie meeting.
While he is happy with Hesashark’s condition, Afford stated it is difficult to know how the three-year-old will handle racing against season-hardened rivals.
“I’m happy with his first run back from a spell when second in Mildura a few weeks ago,” Afford said. “He did all the work and was only beaten just over a metre.
“He has been working really well since and will be better this time around.
“Whether that is good enough against the older horses we’ll have to wait and see.”
Then there is Hesashark’s awkward draw.
Second-up from a spell, the son of Shadyshark Hanover will begin from the outside of the front row.
“The draw certainly hasn’t helped,” Afford said. “With a bit of luck he’ll get a good run and be right in the finish.”
Afford also has Shesashark engaged in the Jack and Phyl Crocker Memorial earlier on the card.
Successful when first-up in Mildura last month, Shesashark was then a solid fourth at Globe Derby last weekend.
Also by Shadyshark Hanover, the mare has drawn barrier four.
“She has done very well in both her runs and I couldn’t be happier with her going into the weekend,” Afford said.
“It’s another difficult race for her against seasoned horses, plus there is plenty of good form in the race, but she will be doing her best.”
