If it weren’t for the excitement, Cran Dalgety could rest easy ahead of the New Zealand Cup.
Dalgety and wife Chrissie are set to line up a powerful team at Addington on Tuesday, which includes the big hometown hope in the New Zealand Cup, Republican Party.
Republican Party holds top billing among the New Zealanders contesting the great race after completing what can only be described as a faultless preparation, which has included three straight wins.
With their horse flying on the racetrack and thriving in his work leading up to his New Zealand Cup tilt, the Dalgetys can head to Addington knowing they’ve done everything they can to have Republican Party primed to fly the New Zealand flag.
“It is very rare that any preparation for a big race goes as well as this, let alone the build-up to the greatest race on the calendar,” Cran said.
“It has actually kept us on our toes, because you are expecting little things to go wrong.”
“Maybe a wee foot problem or a scratch here or there.”
“But so far, everything has gone perfectly and we are doing everything we can to make sure that continues to the moment the horse walks out on the track.”
“He’s a special horse and we just want him to get the chance to show it.”
“You need to be at your best on the day and get a little bit of luck along the way.”
“We can’t control all of that, but we are leaving no stone unturned with the things we can.”
Republican Party faces a daunting task in trying to take down the champion Leap To Fame at Group One level.
While Leap To Fame has had it over the Kentuckiana Lodge pacer in the past, there is one key factor the Dalgetys hope their charge can take advantage of.
“We have the utmost respect for Leap To Fame; he will go down as one of the great champions of the sport.”
“We don’t expect to beat him, but we don’t shy away from a challenge either.”
“If we could get it done on Tuesday, it would make it even more special with a great horse like him in the race.”
“One thing we have on our side is our standing-start experience; we are old hands behind the tapes, whereas Larry isn’t.”
“We would love to take advantage of that if we can execute like we have been lately.”
Cran and Chrissie will hand the reins to Carter Dalgety, who is charged with guiding Republican Party to a historic victory.
Though it’s nothing new to have Carter in the cart, the Dalgetys know just how special it is to have their son in the sulky.
“You want your kids to be happy and healthy and have success in any career they choose.”
“We have had some incredibly proud moments with Carter driving for us.”
“We are incredibly proud of him and will be, no matter what the result is.”
“But if we do get a bit of luck, it is sure to pull on the old heartstrings.”
Republican Party will start in his third New Zealand Cup on Tuesday for owners Grant Dickey, Alistair & Julie Rooney, Greg & Leigh Ayers, David Schollum, Ken Cummings, Bernard Smith, Gary Merlo, the First Term Syndicate, the A & M Syndicate, and Chrissie.
