Daph `N’ Alf has done more for Jared Wehlow than most horses in the trainer’s stable – with one exception.
The veteran galloper hasn’t won at Doomben.
But Wehlow sees no reason why the seven-year-old can’t put that right when he runs in Saturday’s Programmed Property Services Handicap (1350m).
Away from Doomben, Daph ‘N’ Alf is one of the most consistent horses in Queensland having won 14 races with another 14 placings in 38 starts.
However, his Doomben record reads as 10 starts for one second in a restricted handicap in February, 2013.
Daph ‘N’ Alf showed he was up to stakes class when a ran a neck second to Group One winner Smokin’ Joey in the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich in June.
“I don’t know why his Doomben record looks so bad. He has had a couple of fourths and fifths there and he has run in some unsuitable races at Doomben,” Wehlow said.
“He has won on tracks like Mackay and Townsville which aren’t that different to Doomben. It is probably just a combination of things.”
On his best form, Daph ‘N’ Alf would be among the favourites for the race but his Doomben record is so poor he is $12 with most bookmakers.
Daph `N’ Alf has won the Mackay Newmarket and the Sunshine Coast Anniversary Cup and Wehlow doesn’t see why he can’t break his Doomben drought despite finishing seventh at Doomben over 1200m at his most recent start.
“He had a little freshen-up and ran out of puff near the line,” Wehlow said.
Daph `N’ Alf was bred by his owner Graeme McLeod who named him for his parents.
But as a homebred, Daph ‘N’ Alf is not eligible for the Magic Millions series of races in January and Wehlow will aim him at the other summer sprints.
