Cantfindabettorman continues winning streak

A bold early move by ace reinsman Chris Alford was the defining factor in Cantfindabettorman’s (Sweet Lou) decisive harness racing win In a fascinating Group 3 $50,000 Hygain 4 and 5YO Championship at Melton last night.

In an intriguing race Perfect Class was sent out favourite ahead of Cantfindabettorman and Catch A Wave who eased notably in the betting and they were all starting from the second row.

Young Bluey held the lead in a fast run race early but with about 1200 metres to travel Alford seeing that the pace was slackening off quickly made his move and he was clearly in front with over a lap to travel. Perfect Class who had followed Cantfindabettorman moved up outside the leader and they gradually moved clear of the others along the back straight.

Perfect Class tried hard to issue a challenge but Cantfindabettorman had plenty in reserve and he held off the former by over 8 metres with Young Bluey a further 17 metres away third. In running his 3rd and 4th final quarters in 26.8 and 27.4 seconds respectively the winner made the task for those behind him almost impossible.

Chris Alford-driven Cantfindabettorman takes out the Group 3 Hygain 4yo & 5yo Championship for trainer Isabel Walsh at Melton tonight. pic.twitter.com/j4NwNlXyCq

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) November 2, 2024

The beaten brigade included Catch A Wave and with those sectional times it was no surprise to see him struggle out wide in the final lap and he plugged away to finish fifth.

Alford was pleased after the performance

“Things worked out well. He had a good run in the first 200 metres and once the speed slackened and I took him to the lead he maintained a good tempo. He could have been in a bit of bother but to his credit he held on well. Plans are a bit in the air. We could keep him for the country cups or the owners may wish to set him for the InterDominion. But whatever he does he’ll acquit himself well.”.

Trained at Shepparton by Isobel Walsh Cantfindabettorman was trained earlier in his career by Luke McCarthy and he was placed in the Chariots of Fire in March 2023 before winning the Four Year Old Championship at Albion Park as well as a Consolation of the Inter Dominion at the same track. With Walsh he’s only had six starts but has now won three of his last four appearances.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink