Kentuckiana Lodge is ready to attack New Zealand’s biggest day of harness racing.
Trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety have a strong squad of eight horses primed and ready to head to Addington on Tuesday.
Among them are the stable’s three starters in the Group One Sires Stakes 2yo Final in Fugitive, El Sogno, and Freeze Frame.
The trio have a big task ahead, taking on the unbeaten Jumal, but they are ready to show their best in their Group One challenge.
“They are three lovely two-year-olds, and they are all deserving of their places in the race,” Cran said.
“Jumal is clearly the one to beat, but our three are there to challenge him and could capitalise if luck doesn’t go his way.”
“Fugitive’s run at Ashburton was outstanding — he did all the work and wasn’t far away.”
“He’s in great shape, and though he has drawn outside Jumal, we are pleased to have a nice marble to operate from.”
“El Sogno is really well in himself — the wide draw is obviously going to be challenging, but with any luck, he can get amongst it.”
“Freeze Frame probably doesn’t have a marble we would have picked out either, but I think he will enjoy the pressure of a Group One race and he can run well.”
Forever Dream gets a sweet draw in Tuesday’s Group One Nevele R Fillies Final.
She comes into the feature event on the back of a strong third at Ashburton.
“It is a very even line-up this year without too many standouts,” Cran said.
“She is fit and healthy, and with any luck, they will know she is there.”
Franco Sinatra heads to the Junior Free-For-All fit and well.
He never got into his last start from a back mark at the front-running Kaikoura track.
“His last start is best forgotten — a horse stopped in front of him, and he lost all momentum,” Cran said.
“His win prior was excellent and showed where he is at.”
“In an even line-up, we certainly don’t fear anyone — he can give it a shake.”
Rushkinoff will be out to double up on New Zealand Cup Day after winning his last start at Kaikoura.
Staying in a similar grade looks a big advantage for the pacer.
“He is another one that is in a good space.”
“This doesn’t look any harder than his last start, so theoretically, he should be right amongst it.”
Magician trialled nicely at the New Zealand Cup Trials ahead of his Cup Day challenge.
The pacer hasn’t drawn ideally, but he’s another that can feature with luck.
“His trial was quite pleasing in nice splits.”
“He’s an on-pacer that just needs to get amongst the action.”
“We will hand Carter the reins and ask him to do exactly that.”
