Southland’s first-ever Group One event has come around at the perfect time for Kentuckiana Lodge star Krug.
Krug is among a seven-strong team racing across the weekend for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety.
The four-year-old heads to Invercargill alongside his stablemate Ohoka Le Bron with the Group One Invercargill Cup in his sights.
Krug charged home in his last start at Addington running scintillating closing sectionals behind rivals B D Joe and Self Assured.
That effort showed Krug is right where the Kentuckiana team want him to be heading into another big assignment.
“His last run at Addington was super and he has really thrived since then,” Cran said.
“We are heading down south for the big day down there with the horse in a good space.”
“He’s taking on the best, even though it is a smaller field the big guns are there.”
“The handicaps are a leveller for the hot shots off the back marks, so Krug needs to begin well to take advantage of that.”
“He and Carter seem to be in rhythm with their standing starts, so if they can get away and get a nice spot I am sure the horse will run well.”
“The Group One arena is nothing new to him, it would be lovely if he could pick up a bit more silverware.”
Ohoka Le Bron takes on a smart bunch of two-year-old colts and geldings at Invercargill.
But thankfully, he is pretty smart himself.
“Certainly on the talent side, he is going to match motors with these horses,” Cran said.
“It has been well documented that he hasn’t got the ringcraft department sorted just yet.”
“If he can handle the occasion he will be right there.”
“He is getting better all the time and this trip is just what he needs.”
“We are hoping he goes down there a boy and returns a man.”
Carmelite, Invitation Only and Casino Action head to Addington on Friday night to represent Kentuckiana Lodge.
All three look legitimate winning chances.
“Carmelite worked hard and went a good race at Addington last time,” Cran said.
“In an even field she looks a genuine chance, we would like to think.”
“Casino Action and Invitation Only are the only two horses on the second row, so hopefully they can get a nice run-through.”
“They’re both in great form, Casino Action beat a nice filly last week while Invitation Only was very unlucky on Grand Prix Day.”
“We would have loved slightly better draws, but they can still be right amongst it.”
Pink Panther Bounce and Ajira represent Kentuckiana Lodge on Sunday.
Pink Panther Bounce has impressed in her trials and workouts and she looks primed for a nice debut.
“She is coming along nicely and her last trial at Ashburton was pleasing.”
“The race will do her the world of good, but she’s ready to get out there and do it and she should run well.”
Ajira has had a quick freshen-up and looks ready to rumble again on the back of a smart trial at Rangiora last week.
“He seems well in himself and his trial was quite pleasing.”
“The grass will be a new experience for him, he’s a nice gaited horse so it shouldn’t worry him.”
“If that’s the case, he can be right there.”
