Lennytheshark beaten in first trial back

Reinging Inter Dom champ Lennytheshark was beaten into third spot after a tough run at his first trial on the path towards the Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on April 26.

Trainer David Aiken took the reins himself in a Menangle trial yesterday (Tuesday) and Lennytheshark’s condition gave out late after he sat parked in a 1min52.1sec mile. 

“It wasn’t the run I hoped for because I knew he needed it and wanted to give him some cover, but he ended-up parked and Bettor Bet Black really ran along in front,” Aiken said. 

“He was only beaten a half-length or so and got a bit tired late, but, more importantly, he came through it well.” 

It was Lennytheshark’s first public appearance since his gallant second to Have Faith In Me in the Miracle Mile at Menangle on February 28. 

Aiken did reveal he is consider a change of plans with Lennytheshark. 

“I’d say he’s only 50-50 of running in the Golden Mile (June 11) now,” he said. “It’s not an important race and Chris Alford (regular driver) might have some big drives at Melton on the same night. I’ve got some thinking to do. 

“The other option is to give him another strong trial and wait another week to run him first-up over 2300m at Menangle (June 18). 

“That would still give him a lead-up run before his main target, the Len Smith.” 

Aiken confirmed the Len Smith would be Lennytheshark’s last race for the season, which has so far seen him race 11 times for seven wins, four seconds and earn $1.31 million. 

“Yes, he’ll be out for another break then before we set him to defend his (Inter Dominion) title in Perth,” he said. 

Aiken’s other Perth Inter Dominion hopeful, the immensely exciting Hectorjayjay, is having a short let-up and doing some “water-walker” work ahead of a Queensland winter raid. 

“He’s had a bit of an easy time since his latest win, which took him to another level in my opinion,” Aiken said, 

“I’ll look for a race for him at Melton in a couple of weeks then he’ll come up to our Menangle stable for a few days to break up the trip on his way to Queensland for the big races in July.”

Adam Hamilton