By Jonny Turner
If the dress rehearsal is anything to go by, Kentuckiana’s main act in the north should be exciting.
Cran and Chrissie Dalgety rolled out the first of their starters as they target feature races in a big autumn in the North Island.
With the team having to travel and then settle into their new surroundings, the Dalgetys were hopeful of good performances but weren’t getting carried away ahead of Friday night’s action at Alexandra Park.
But it wasn’t long into the programme before Tour Party produced an electric performance to win a heat of the Young Guns Series.
“We really couldn’t be happier with Tour Party, it was the perfect performance,” Cran said.
“There were a few unknowns going into it; it was his first time right-handed and first time away from home, and he was racing horses who had looked talented themselves."
“To handle it as professionally as he did was extremely satisfying, but then to do it in good time and very sharp sectionals was a huge thrill.”
“We have always really liked this wee guy, and we had hoped he could be quite competitive in this Young Guns Series.”
“That win showed he is right on track, and realistically, it should tighten him up nicely for his next run.”
Tour Party’s exciting win came just two weeks before the Group One final of the Young Guns Series, set down for Alexandra Park on March 20.
It also came after All Of Me produced a gutsy second in her first start as a three-year-old.
After working around the field to find the parked position, the filly fought on gamely for second.
With that run under her belt, All Of Me will now target the Group Two Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes.
“She came north after having just the one trial, and this was going to be an important hitout for her," Cran said.
“She ran very well, and we expect her to take a lot of improvement out of it, so everything is on track for next week.”
Freeze Frame was another who ran well ahead of targeting a big race.
The three-year-old only went down narrowly to the classy Better Knuckle Up in his first start since his Group One triumph in the Sires Stakes Final on New Zealand Cup Day.
“He was another who had only had the one trial, so we expect him to be bigger and better for the Harness Million final in a couple of weeks.”
Cran rounded out the weekend with a purchase at the Sydney yearling sales on Sunday.
He had eyed up a Bettor’s Delight colt from the classy mare Eye Keep Smiling and was thrilled to secure it.
Find out more about the youngster here.
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