Aldebaran Zeus rules again

Champion reinsman Chris Alford was a relieved man as he returned after guiding the globetrotting multiple Group 1 winning trotter Aldebaran Zeus (Muscle Hill) back into the harness racing winner’s stall in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Free For All at Melton. 

Aldebaran Zeus landed on the back of the leader Harry Stamper while the $2.40 favorite Mufasa Metro was caught leading the outside horses over the 1720 metre sprint trip. 

Aldebaran Zeus peeled off and issued a challenge to Mufasa Metro who strode to the lead on straightening and dug deep in the home stretch to score by a metre on the line in a mile rate of 1:54. 

HE'S BACK!
Aldebaran Zeus is back in the winner's circle since returning from America. The Brent Lilley-trained gelding flashed home to victory with Chris Alford in the sulky. pic.twitter.com/mpgJLSzrPh

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) July 6, 2024

Alford admitted he thought it was his race to lose in the run. 

“He would have been in a bit of trouble if he hadn’t of been able to win with the run he had,” Alford said. 

“It was good and he felt a bit like his old self tonight,” he said. 

It has taken Aldebaran Zeus four runs back this time in to recapture his best form. 

“He had a hard trial where they went 1:55 and he backed up five days later first up and it may have flattened him,” he said. 

“So they backed off him and he got a bit fat, he was fair last week but the run probably trimmed him up for tonight.” 

Alford believes Aldebaran Zeus isn’t as sharp as he was a year or two ago. 

“He has lost a bit of speed now as a six-year-old but he should keep getting better,” he said. 

“And he was down a bit in confidence so the win should do him the world of good.” 

Alford believes Aldebaran Zeus will still be a key player in the upcoming feature races. 

“He will still be one of the major chances in races like the Inter Dominion later in the year,” he said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink