Cran Dalgety couldn’t think of a better way to bring up his 1400th training win in New Zealand than with All You Need Is Me’s powerhouse performance at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
The Kentuckiana Lodge trainer reached the milestone when the filly he trains with wife Chrissie ran to a powerful victory in the Group Two Caduceus Club Lady Ship Stakes at Alexandra Park.
In reaching the milestone tally, Cran maintained his place among New Zealand’s greatest harness racing trainers.
Only Roy, Barry and Mark Purdon and Robert Dunn have trained more winners in New Zealand than the Kentuckiana Lodge trainer.
“That’s pretty good company to be keeping,” Cran quipped.
“It is pleasing to knock off these milestones along the way.”
“We are in the business of looking forward, rather than looking back.”
“But every so often when these kinds of things happen it is nice to reflect on what we have achieved.”
“It has been a great ride along the way, we chase those big wins in big races but you still get a good thrill out of a maiden win too.”
“If you are seeing a happy group of owners and a horse starting out getting its first win on the board, after bringing it along from an unbroken yearling, it can be very satisfying.”
“We will enjoy the moment, getting the 1400, but the next morning our focus is on what other goals we can have in our sights.”
It seems highly appropriate All You Need Is Me brought up a special win for Cran given she traces back to the broodmare gem Scuse Me – bred and raced by Cran’s late father Jim Dalgety.
The breed has gone to staggering heights under the care and development of the Roberts and Kenny family.
The Scuse Me line has the chance to add another Group One title to its incredible record as All You Need Is Me tackles this week’s Group One Northern Oaks.
After her powerhouse win last Friday night, Cran can’t wait to see his filly’s first attempt at Group One level.
“I have said for a while now that the 2700m will be right up her alley.”
“That was another strong performance on Friday night, she is improving all the time and getting more confidence about her with each run.”
“We just have to try to keep her in the zone this week, she just has to hold her form to be a nice winning chance in the big one.”
Kentuckiana Lodge will also start Justyouwait in a Young Guns Fillies Heat at Alexandra Park on Friday night following her strong debut third at the same track earlier this month.
Wallflower will step out in graded company after her nice second last week, while Republican Party is set to return to racing in the Group Two City Of Auckland Free-For-All.
