Queen Elida Photo by Hamilton Content Creators
CHAMPION driver Chris Alford rates Queen Elida the best trotter he has driven and hopes connections dare to take on the world in next year's famous Elitlopp in Sweden.
Alford, who is rapidly closing in on 8000 wins through a career spanning almost 40 years, has long been lavish in his praise of Queen Elida but admits his opinion soared during a recent trip to drive against some of the world's best trotters.
He partnered Queen Elida's Brent Lilley-trained stablemate, Aldebaran Zeus, into fifth spot in the $US1mil Yonkers International Trot at Yonkers in New York.
"He ran a great race, and he wasn't at his top, either," Alford said.
"I'd say he was about 85 per cent right after losing some condition on the long trip across, but he still wasn't far behind some of the world's best.
"I kept thinking to myself, if Queen Elida was at her top and had the run Aldebaran Zeus did, I think she'd have beaten them.
"She's the best trotter I've driven. I've been on Noopy Kiosk and Keystone Del, who were both outstanding, but they were probably past their best by the time I drove them.
"I've thought for a while she would be world-class, but being there with Aldebaran Zeus and getting a line on it all, I've got no doubt she is."
Aussie star Just Believe's terrific performances in a three-race Swedish raid earlier this year has planted the seed for him and/or Queen Elida to potentially tackle the Elitlopp in Stockholm next May.
"I've got no doubt she would be very competitive. It's hard to travel mares, but if they take up the challenge and she gets there in her best form, she's got the speed, class and strength to hold her own," Alford said.
"But there's lots to worry about her first before they (connections) have to think seriously about Sweden."
That starts with Saturday night's Chris Howe Trotters' free-for-all (2240m) at Melton, where Queen Elida will have to overcome the outside draw (gate six) in a small but select field.
The five-year-old won the race easily last year on her way to 26 wins and 13 placings from just 44 starts.
Mufasa Metro, who ran second to Queen Elida last year, and another high-class mare, Im Ready Jet (gate five), are the main dangers on Saturday night.
Beyond this week, Queen Elida's most immediate feature targets are the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint on October 14 and the Brisbane Inter Dominion in December.
Another highlight of the Melton meeting is the clash between Victoria Cup hopefuls, Inter Dominion placegetter Act Now (gate 11) and dual Group 1 winner Better Eclipse in the Woodlands Stud Pace (2240m).
And two of Victoria's top mares, stablemates Tough Tilly (gate five) and Treachery (six) look set for a stirring battle in The Tailamade Lombo (1720m).
· Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.
