Cran Dalgety can’t wait for the Group One Northern Oaks following All You Need Is Me’s powerful victory at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
The Kentuckiana Lodge three-year-old could not have been more impressive in her first look at the right-handed track when delivering a powerful front-running win for Carter Dalgety.
The victory came just seven days out from the Group One Northern Oaks, a race won by All You Need Is Me’s superstar mother, Adore Me.
The three-year-old has followed the path many fillies of her age do leading into the feature.
The royally bred three-year-old will attempt 2700m for the first time after a series of short-distance races.
While some may approach that challenge with caution, Cran can’t wait.
“She is a big, strong and powerful filly and she shows all the signs that the longer they go, the more she will enjoy it.”
“Until you race over the longer trip you don’t know for sure, but we have every confidence she will love it.”
“Her win on Friday night was in good time and Carter really didn’t have to ask her for an effort in the home straight.”
“As far as a lead-up to a big race goes, you can’t really ask for any better than that.”
“We will now keep her wrapped in cotton wool through the week and hope she can show her best when the big trophy is up.”
Being by Captaintreacherous from Adore Me, Group One stardom would hardly be a surprise for All You Need Is Me.
But the path to Friday night’s feature hasn’t been totally straight forward.
“Naturally, we were thrilled to be trusted with this filly by Paul and Mary Kenny," Cran said.
“Being a superstar in the breeding department, you could say there was a bit of pressure on us and the horse to perform.”
“The talent department hasn’t really been in question the whole way through.”
“But has been quite strong-willed and has had a bit of an attitude at times.”
“That is not a bad thing overall, in the heat of battle it can be handy.”
“But it has meant she has had to learn her trade and learn to keep her mind on the job.”
“She is certainly doing that and now we are seeing her true talent come through on the track.”
“She still has more to learn, but we are definitely on the right path.”
Fellow Kentuckiana Lodge filly Wallflower will also head towards the Group One Northern Oaks after her excellent second at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
“She raced really well, she was beaten by one of the boys who is up with the better colts and geldings,” Cran said.
“She’s a lovely filly and deserves her shot at the big time, too.”
