Oaks no Breeze, but Alford hoping for more glory

With the heats almost upon us it appears only Chris Alford and Sahara Breeze (Captaintreacherous) stand between the force that is the Emma Stewart harness racing stable and further Group 1 glory in the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks.

Sahara Breeze is a $2 favorite to prevail in the first Oaks heat on Saturday night, while Major Delight, who heads up the five-horse Stewart muster, is $1.30 to take out the second qualfier.

Alford said he will rely on Sahara Breeze’s prolific fleet of foot to get the job done from a second-row alley.

“From the draw I think it will be best if I sit her up and then use her high speed. She’s pretty quick,” Alford said.

The daughter of Captaintreacherous’ armoury of blistering high speed was on full display in the Group 1 Vicbred Super Series (3YO Fillies) Final when she charged through along the sprint lane to score from the Emma Stewart-trained pair Sweet Bella and Joyful.

Alford noted the progression the Gary and Debbie Quinlan-prepared filly has made this season, boasting an impressive record of seven wins and two seconds from nine starts.

“She has come back a lot better this season,” he said.

“She has really toughened up and can sit on speed no matter how quick or slow it is.”

Of the opposition, Alford acknowledges the danger Major Delight represents along with the NSW-trained filly Jewel Melody.

“Major Delight hasn’t had a lot of racing this year, but if she’s right then she’s going to be hard to beat,” he said.

“And Jewel Melody is pretty good, she just hasn’t had much luck with barrier draws lately and we probably need her in it to ensure the speed is on.”

Ultimately, Alford concedes the $150,000 Victoria Oaks Final will be decided by the barrier draw and whichever filly enjoys the smoothest transit in the race.

“When they are that even it gets down to barrier draws and luck in running,” he said.

Sweet Bella and Joyful have to contend with second-row draws in the second Oaks heat, however the pair should navigate a way into next week’s Group 1 final.

For complete race entries, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harness Racing Victoria