By Nick Berney
Alfano has improved in every outing since his gelding operation, and the four-year-old looks primed to run a career peak performance in the Furphy Handicap (1580m) at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The lightly raced galloper has built a strong platform throughout this preparation and is set to break through for his maiden win.
Alfano trainer Anthony Cummings.Credit:Getty
His last start at Newcastle was full of merit in a high-rating race when running third.
He got too far back throughout transit, but to his credit, he ran on hard and savaged the line.
Punter’s Intelligence recorded that his final 600m split was the race fastest in 34.05, and all key indicators suggest the step up in distance shouldn’t pose an issue.
The gelding has a positive race setup and repeating his prior performance/figure will make him hard to beat.
It’s worth noting his trainer Anthony Cummings is in form with 14 winners from his last 100 runners with a profit on turnover of 14.6%.
The danger looms as the early market fancy Beauty Crusader who had too much to do at Randwick 37 days ago.
The three-year-old raced wide and wasn’t suited to the tempo. However, he knuckled down and ran into third place.
He races receives a significant barrier change, allowing him to settle closer and be within striking distance.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Hollywood Hero was outstanding on debut, running third at this track 31 days ago, and he finds a winnable maiden on Wednesday.
Moreover, that race has been a serious form reference, with four subsequent winners coming out of it.
The colt contests the Schweppes Handicap (1250m), and he will need luck from the wide draw, but James McDonald rides.
Debutante Dakota Vroom is a nice type and won a recent trial in style at Warwick Farm.
The filly responded well when asked for an effort in that heat and went through the line full of energy.
She is another one with a tricky map but expect her to find cover and look to have the last shot.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
