Kentuckiana Lodge pacer Ajira signed off his campaign in emphatic style when running to victory at Addington.
Despite working hard in the first lap of his 2600m victory, the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained three-year-old was too slick for his rivals.
The strong staying performance ended Ajira’s campaign on the best possible note.
“It was a good win because he was stuck out there sitting parked for the first lap,” Cran said.
“To then come off their backs and sprint up like he did was a very good effort.”
“He can go for a break now, the spring had been wound tight for a while now so he deserves a good break.”
Ajira will head to part-owner Brian Court’s property for his freshen up.
Court races the pacer with a great bunch of Kentuckiana Lodge owners.
Cran hopes the three-year-old will return an even better proposition following his spell.
“He’s a typical Bettor’s Delight, he just keeps getting better.”
“He has probably improved five lengths with every preparation he has had.”
“If he comes back another five lengths better next time things will be looking pretty good.”
Ajira has been the subject of interest from overseas buyers but there hasn’t been an offer that has been enough to tempt his ownership team.
Carter Dalgety did the steering behind Ajira on Friday night, continuing his excellent strike rate in the sulky.
The winter has been a quiet time on the racing front for Kentuckiana Lodge.
But come spring time, that will change dramatically with horses like Krug and Republican Party being aimed at the New Zealand Cup Carnival and the better spring and summer races.
“Krug has come back in and he is looking great,” Cran said.
“He has done a couple of weeks jogging, so it is early days for him.”
“All going well we would love to be there for the big dance on Cup Day.”
The 2022 crop of Kentuckiana Lodge yearlings have also returned to work after enjoying a spell.
The colts and fillies will be put through another campaign, their second after being broken in after being purchased at the National Yearling Sales.
“The yearlings are back in for another prep, they’ll do another few weeks to help progress them along.”
“All of the signs are positive at this early stage.”
