Kentuckiana Lodge three-year-olds Franco Sinatra and Ohoka Le Bron have earned their places among a star-studded field in Friday night’s Sires Stakes heat at Addington.
The classy pacers will take out an outstanding field headed by Don’t Stop Dreaming and Merlin, in the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety colours.
Franco Sinatra was a maiden just three starts ago, but after impressing in each of his raceday outings he deserves a shot at Friday night’s heat.
And from barrier 4 the pacer should be able to give the hotshots a bit of cheek.
“He has done everything asked of him and a bit more, so he has earned a shot at the big boys,” Cran said.
“He is a big, strong and powerful horse so the rough and tumble of racing the better horses won’t worry him.”
“He probably doesn’t have their street smarts just yet but that is the only thing he is lacking and you only get that by going to the races.”
“If he can stay near the top end from the nice draw he is going to run a nice race.”
“We have always had a very good opinion of him and he is going to be racing at this level in the future.”
“The experience from this race will be a real asset going forward and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Ohoka Le Bron has been handed a shocker of a draw 12 in Friday night’s heat.
But with the horse in great shape, he can still make an impact.
“We couldn’t really be any happier with the horse, but we are not quite as excited about the draw.”
“He is very well and he’s come up super.”
“His needed his first run back and even though he ran very well, he is much improved for this week.”
“Obviously he is going to need some luck, but if he gets it they are going to know he is there.”
“If anyone can find a path for him from the back of the field it is Ricky May, so we will leave it in his capable hands.”
Following Friday night’s meeting the Kentuckiana Lodge team is off to Rangiora on Sunday.
Light Up The Fire has also copped the visitor’s draw in barrier 13 in race 3.
But the filly goes into the event fitter from her two runs back and having benefitted from a slight change to her training.
Orlando Express goes into race 4 with all the ability to run a big race if he brings his manners.
Carmelite has trialled nicely ahead of her return in race 5, she just needs a slice of luck from barrier 10.
Ajira has a much better draw in barrier 2 in race 12, he has trialled among smart types as he returns from a freshener.
