The Kentuckiana Lodge team are not shying away from the challenge they face with Krug in the Group One New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington on Friday.
The star three-year-old heads into the 1980m feature for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety after producing a powerful and stunning performance in the Group Three Junior Free-For-All on New Zealand Cup Day.
Krug and driver Blair Orange have a challenge on their hands on Show Day after drawing outside New Zealand Cup placegetters Self Assured and South Coast Arden.
It’s one Cran Dalgety can’t wait to get amongst.
“One thing is for sure, we go there full of confidence after our run on Cup Day.”
“Back to the mobile, he was in his happy place and I think his time (3-08.2 for 2600m) and his last 800m (54.1sec) show what kind of shape he is in.”
“He has pulled up very well and believe it or not I think he has taken benefit from that run.”
“So we go into the race confident our horse is very fit and well.”
“What I would say is we have a healthy respect for the opposition but I can’t say have any fear of any of our rivals.”
Cran is taking a straightforward approach to race tactics.
He is putting his full faith in his star driver.
“As everybody saw in the New Zealand Cup Blair can rate a horse.”
“Once the horse leaves the barn it will be up to Blair to work out a race plan.”
“Regardless of whether we have a tough run or a great trip, we plan to be there fighting it out.”
“The way Blair drives you would back him to find us a nice, cosy spot.”
Kentuckiana rolls out another star on Show Day in Pelosi, who starts in race 8, effectively the Junior Free-For-All.
The Aussie mare goes into her assignment in a similar position to Krug.
Though she has copped barrier 8 and has handy horses inside her, Cran is not getting caught up in the hype around the race’s draws.
“It was a fair effort in her last start at Ashburton, a 1.51 mile and home in 54sec, to go down by a small margin just second up, we were very happy.”
“She has trained on super since then and we hope she can show her speed again.”
“When they pair up she is only going to be about 3 lengths off them.”
“I just hope anyone leaning on the outside rail doesn’t get windburn.”
Blair Orange also drives Pelosi.
Gerard O’Reilly again fills in for daughter Sarah, as she recovers from appendicitis, behind Invitation Only in race 3.
“He raced well on Cup Day but I think he will enjoy going to 2600m even more.”
“He can rough it and tough it and he will need to from his draw (14).”
“He is fit and well and I am expecting him to be there amongst it at the finish.”
Trixton Time has the best draw among the Kentuckiana Lodge team with his barrier 2 spot in race 1.
Cran hopes the trotter can take full advantage.
“With respect to many of the opposition, it does not look a Dominion quality field.”
“From the draw he is going to be handy and he should get every show.”
“We hope he can capitalise.”
Trixton Time will be driven by Tim Williams.
