After a successful Northern Campaign, Kentuckiana Lodge’s Star 3yo Krug has returned home and is ready to contest Heat 1 of the Woodlands Stud NZ Sire Stakes Series at Addington Raceway tonight, with Cup Day’s Sire Stakes Final in sight.
Although his picket fence line form line was dented by American Dealer’s upset victory in the Group 1 Garrards Sires Stakes Final – Krug reasserted his dominance when taking out the $200,000 NZB Harness Million Final by 3 3/4 lengths over his main rival tonight It’s All About Faith.
Prior to these races thoughts were directed at a possible hit and run mission on the rich Breeders Crown Series in Victoria for Krug, but with travel restrictions around COVID-19 still tight, those were quickly put to bed. Now back at Kentuckiana Lodge, a new target has been acquired for him.
“He came through his Northern Campaign really well and returned home in good condition, we’ve given him a freshen up after the hard racing, I suppose you could say we’ve taken the tension off the springs as he’s got a big few months ahead,” said co-trainer Chrissie Dalgety.
“There are three heats in the South Island for the Sire Stakes, so ideally we can get him qualified early on in Heat 1, as usually the later heats of this series are well contested”
“We’re expecting a bold showing despite the tricky draw”
All eyes will be on Race Four at Addington where All Star’s Stablemates (1) It’s All About Faith & (2) Pace N Pride hold the key after drawing barrier one and two respectively. (5) Krug comes up with barrier five which gives driver Blair Orange options to go forward or back, go back four starts and he easily crossed It’s All About Faith in a very similar race.
Adding to this already cracking race is the Graeme Anderson/Mike Love trained (8) American Lightning who has won five from six while Woodend Beach Trainers are well represented with Regan Todd having (6) Arden’s Ace involved alongside Robert Dunn’s trio (4) Dashing Major, (7) Got You Covered, (9) Ned Kelly.
Earlier on in the night in Race 2, Kentuckiana Lodge Junior Driver Sarah O’Reilly teams up with (1) Trixton Time.
“He’s still a maiden but seeing as there was no race for him he’s in against the race winners, he’s got a nice barrier draw but there are some smart ones in it”
While later on in the evening (Race 8), the ever consistent (4) Cardinal Sin gets another chance to add to his already handy form line.
“He’s been very consistent of late and gets into another race where he will put his best foot forward.”
By Andrew Fitzgerald
