The timing is perfect for Kentuckiana Lodge pacer Republican Party to return to the Group One arena in the Flying Stakes at Addington on Friday night.
The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained three-year-old will have his second attempt at the elite level when starting alongside his stablemate Invitation Only, who will have his first.
Republican Party comes into the Flying Stakes after arguably the performance of his career in the Lazarus Stakes a fortnight ago.
While there are question marks over the star colt’s draw in barrier 1 on the second row, there are no queries over where the horse is at.
“He has come through his last run great and he seems to be going from strength to strength,” Cran said.
“That was only his third outing this time in because he only had the one trial.”
“He can come on with the run and goes into Friday night’s race very well.”
Republican Party and driver Blair Orange follow out Donmaro from their second-row draw.
Where the Kentuckiana pacer gets to in the running is unknown, but whenever he finds clear air he will be ready to fire.
“At first glance, there was a bit of a wince when I saw we were one on the second row,” Cran said.
“We just used his gate speed to beat most of these horses and he has come up with the one draw he can’t use it from.”
“But all reports are that Donmaro can get out of the gate pretty well.”
“Blair usually drives him and he thinks he is a fair chance of staying very handy.”
“One thing our horse has is very good acceleration so if he is close enough on the markers he is going to get going as soon as a gap comes.”
Invitation Only comes into the Flying Stakes after chasing Donmaro home in his last start at Addington.
The race was simply one that is best put in the rearview.
“He got back in the field on a 26-second last 400m, that says it all really,” Cran said.
“He had no hope at all, so we just have to turn the page on that run.”
“His first up run was outstanding and that is a better line on how he is going.”
“The horse is fit and healthy we wouldn’t be starting him in a field of this quality if we didn’t think he could make an impact.”
“If he can land a handy spot they will know he is there.”
Cran and Chrissie will hand the reins to Carter for his first Group One drive behind Invitation Only.
On a big night for the young reinsman, Carter will also partner Watermelon Sugar in the Harness Million Two-Year-Old Colt And Geldings Final.
The pacer was also a victim of circumstance in his last start at Addington, but he is ready to show his turn of foot this week.
“He takes on the big guns this week, so it won’t be easy.”
“But he has a very nice turn of foot, so we are hoping to have the last shot at them.”
“If the race pans out for us and he is close enough on the turn he is going to be running home nice.”
Carmelite also races for big bucks in the Harness Million Two-Year-Old Fillies Final.
After a strong last-start effort in her last start at Addington.
“Her last start was good, she was close up with some very nice fillies.”
“She races a couple of smarties again but with the way she is progressing she looks a good chance of getting her hoofs on the podium.”
Franco Mecca heads back into the maiden grade after battling some of the best two-year-old colts recently.
The pacer should be very competitive on Friday night with that step down in grade.
“He is a nice horse and he’s very genuine.”
“Back into a maiden race, even though he races a couple of nice types, he should be right there when the cameras are flashing.”
Kentuckiana Lodge also starts Rakanotta in race 12 with Krug also to line up in Friday night’s feature pace.
