Masterful, front-running drives are a regular occurrence from Harness Racing’s Leading Driver Blair Orange, and last night at Addington Raceway he delivered two of them for the Kentuckiana Lodge Team.

Back in the hot seat behind Star 3yo Krug in Heat 1 of the Woodlands Stud Sire Stakes Series, Orange put the pedal to the metal at the start and within the blink of an eye had crossed main race rival It’s All About Faith who drew barrier one. Gaining control of a small tactical field meant that Orange was able to get away with a 63.8 middle half and with sectionals of 55.5/26.5 home there was only ever going to be one winner.

“Once he was able to gain control from the start it looked like he’d be hard to beat, but I still have a lot of respect for Dad’s horse, It’s All About Faith, he took some ground off us late. Heat Racing vs the Grand Final always play out different” said Co-Trainer Nathan Purdon

Co-Trainer Nathan Purdon gives his mate Krug a towel after his win

That win qualified Krug for the Sire Stakes Final on Cup Day which allows the team some room to move in regard to races between now and then.

“That was step one of the plan ticked off, so now we’ll sit back down again and review how he comes through the run before we firm up where he’ll head between now and Cup Day” said Co-Trainer Chrissie Dalgety.

A few races later and it was Cardinal Sin who was rewarded for consistency when taking out the Canterbury Trotting Owners Association Mobile Pace in the hands of Blair Orange.

In what was basically a carbon copy of Krug’s race, Cardinal Sin showed good gate speed to lead throughout, dictating in front, he held on for a 1/2 head victory over the fast-finishing Enchantee.

Blar Orange gets the best out of Cardinal Sin

Cardinal Sin recorded his 4th win from 12 starts and prizemoney earnings of over $32,000.

Two reminders of how much of an asset to Kentuckiana Lodge and our owners it is to be able to call on Blair Orange.


By Andrew Fitzgerald